LETTERS 



ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT 



OF 



Gov. BENJAMIN FRANILINPEiifS 

" Letters to His Wife." 



APRIL 27, 1891^ 



• 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

PRESENTED BY 

UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 






r^^ 









WITH RESPECT^ OF MRS. B. F. PERRY. 



April 27, 1891. 



ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OE 

Gov. Benjamin Franklin Perry's 

"LETTERS TO HIS WIFE." 



Oh, be he king or subject, he's most blest. 
Who in his ' Home ' finds happiness and peace." 



IN MEMORY 

OF THE FIFTY-FOURTH ANNIVERSARY 

OF OUR MARRIAGE. 

ARRIL 27, 1837-APRlL 27, 1891. 



"He has I know not what 
Of greatness in his looks, and of high fate, 
That almost awes me." 



1891: 

SHANNON & CO.. Printers, 

Greenville, S. C. 



■^t5 



"A man never so beautifully shows his own strength as when he respects 
a woman's softness." 

DEDICATED 

TO 

OUR CHILDREN, 

MRS. WILLIAM BEATTIE, 
Hon. WILLIAM HAYNE PERRY, 

Dr. hext m. perry, 
benj. franklin perry, 

AND 

OUR GRAND CHILDREN, 

B. F. PERRY BEATTIE, 

EMILY EDGEWORTH BEATTIE. 

WILLIAM BEATTIE PERRY, 
ANNA PERRY, 
WILLIE HAYNE PERRY, 
BENJ. FRANKLIN PERRY, 
HEXT M. PERRY. 

With the prayer that they may follow the noble example 

of their Parent, 

Both in public and private life. 



"There is in the heart of woman such a deep well of love, that no age 
can freeze it." 

SANS SOUCI, OREENVILLE, S. C, APRIL 27th, 1897. 




^<^>^^^^^ 



INTRODUCTION. 



" Superiority to circumstances is exactly what distinguishes and marks 
the great man." 



The hundreds of letters received acknowleds-ino; the 
receipt of " Governor Benjamin Frankhn Perry's Let- 
ters to his Wife," have given his " wife " more pleasure 
and gratification than words can express. To afford 
our children and their descendants the same pleasure, 
some of the letters are printed, so as to preserve them 
in a durable form. One hundred and twenty-three have 
been selected from the many beautiful ones received. 
Thanks are due the friends who have been so kind in ex- 
pressing their high appreciation of the " Letters,'- and 
encouraged the " wife " in her labor of love, and for so 
justly esteeming her husband's noble character, both in 
public and private life. With confidence can it be said, 
that the perusal of this book will increase and not 
diminish the exalted opinion formed of Governor 
Perry's character. 



" I'roud was his tone, but calm ; his eye 
Had that compelling dignity ; 
His mien that bearing haught and high, 
Which common spirits fear." 



ERRATA. 

On page 53, for Blagkstone read Blaekstone. 

On page 104, for dreams read claims. 

On page 108, for Dec. IGth, 1S80 read 184G. 



CONXKNTS. 



PAGE 

Adams, Col. James P 32 

Aldrich, Judge James 74 

Andrews, Mrs. Amelia W 63 

Armstrong:, Miss Minnie 39 

Austin; W. G 69 

Averill, C. N 90 

Avery, Col. I. W.— Sketch of Gov. B. F. Perry ... 118 

Bacot, D. Huf^er 98 

Baer, Dr. H., Review of Gov. Perry's Letters to 

his Wife. 1 07 

Boyce, Rev. James P 113 

Boykin, Col. E. Miller 33 

Brackett, Rev. Gilbert R 43, 44 

Bratton, Gen. John 46 

Brown, Col. John N 83, 84 

Brooks, Col. J. Hampden. 79 

Bryce, Dr. Peter 67 

Buntincr, Rev. Oscar S 57 

Buist, Hon. George Lamb 93 

Burnet, Hon. Andrew VV. 23 

Burnet, Dr. Andrew W 20 

Burruss, Henry Page 35, 36 

Calhoun, John' J 29 

Calhoun, Miss Eliza 54 

Campbell, Rev. \Villiam H 51 

Cannon, Hon. Gabriel. 82 

Capers, Rev. William T 8 

Capers, Rev. Ellison. 7 

Carlisle, Rev. James H 92 

Clifton, Rev. J. A. 96 

Crawford, Hon. Andrew 30 

Crittenden, Hon. Stanley S 21 

Croft, Hon. George W 26 

Davidson, John. 101 

Desportes, R. S 75 

Davis, Zimmerman. 97 

Dibble, Hon. Samuel 9 

Downman, Rev. John Y 73 

Dowse, Miss Mary E 37 

DuBose. Col. John Witherspoon 17, 18, 55 

Duncan, Robert Perry 14 

Fuller, Miss Phoebe. 54 

Furman, Rev. James C, Review of Erskine Ad- 
dress 104 

V 



VI (^OXTKNTS. 

pac;r 

Furman, Capt. Charles M., Sketch of the life of 

Gov. B. F. Perry 115 

Furman, McDonald 80 

Gass, Rev. John 88 

Gih-eath, Belton 68 

Hampton, Gen. Wade 78 

Ha^-ne, \Vm. Alston. 19 

Hazard, Walter. 75 

Hemphill, J. C 27 

Hevward, .Julius H. 97 

Hilliard, Hon. Henry W., 70, 88 

Hudson, Judp;e J. H 73 

Hu^er, Dr. Wm. H 99 

Hunting-ton, Bishop Frederic D 11 

Huntino-ton, Rev. Wni. R 13 

Hutson, Prof. Charles Woodward 64 

Ingersoll, Hon. Colin M •. 65 

Jackson, Bishop H. Melville 117 

Johnston, Gen. Georgp D 80 

Johnston, Col. William. 84 

Jones, Lambert J 77 

Joyner, Rev. Edmund N. 12 

Judson, I*rof. Charles H 86 

Judson, Miss Mary C 69 

Kennerly, William C 32 

Kershaw, Judge John B. 11 

Kershaw, R(?v. John 56 

Lanneau, Mrs. John 40 

Lea, Judge John M 5 

Le Conte, Prof. Joseph .* 12 

Lee, Gen. G. W. Custis. 67 

Martin, Hon. John M 76 

Martin, Robert Huyne 74 

McCaa, Eugene M., Review of (Jov. Perry's wri- 
tings ^ 110 

McCaa, Eugene M 49 

Moore, Maurice A. 59, 60 

Morrison, Mrs. Mary E., "Notice of Sans Souci" 106 

Mundy, Rev. J. A 80 

Neeson, Mrs. R 39 

Nelson, Mrs. Anson 42 

Nowell, Mrs. Mildred E. 79 

Page, Thomas Nelson 100 

Patterson, Hon. Giles J 93 

Patton, Prof. E. L 95 

Peabody, Rev. Andrew P 29 

Perry, Bishop William Stevens 100 

Perry, Hon. Amos 81 

Perry, Mrs. Carrie S. 31 



Contents. vii 

PAGE 

Prince, Gen. W. Lowndes T 87 

Pinckney, Kev. Charles Cotesworth. 26 

Powe, Dr. James H 85 

Pressley, Jndoe B. C 22, 71 

Piinfi,-le, Wm. Alston 34 

Reese, Col. Frank M 103 

Rhett, Col. John Taylor 47 

Richardson, Mrs. Gov. John P 66 

Rijr^s, John S. 102 

Robson, John N 91 

Rntledoe, Gen. B. H 94 

8hss, G. Herbert 28 

Seabrook, Dr. J. G 72 

Sea brook, R. E 47 

Sinikins, Lewis Wai-dlaw 85 

Sinionton, Jud.u:e Charles H 6 

Simpson, Cliief Justice W. D 96 

Sojourner, D. Paul 58 

Sniith, Rev. A. Coke 6 

Smith, D. E. Huoer 94 

Smythe, Hon. Augustine T 99 

Spencer, Julian Murray 61, 62 

Thomas, Col. John P.." 95 

Thompson, Rev. W. T. 86 

Townes, Hon. Geoi-ii,e F 30 

Tupper, Hon. Samuel 45 

Whalev, B. J 52 

Whitsitt, Rev. William H. 57 

Williams, Geor<ie W. 34 

W^ilmer, Bishop Ri(>hard H 10 

Wilson, Rev. Robert 97 

Winthrop, Gov. Robert C. 16 



ivKnnrKRS. 



[From Judge John M. Lea, of the Historical Society of Nashville, and 
formerly Judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, to whom the letters 
■were sent to criticise before given to the public. He is one of the wisest, 
most refined and iioble gentleman our country has ever produced. His ap- 
proval is sufficient to authorize the propriety of the Letters being published.] 

Nashville, Tenn., January 5, 1890. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry — Dear Madam — I acknowledge with 
many thanks the receipt of the '' Letters of my Father to 
my Mother." I assure you the reading of them has not 
only afforded pleasure, but confirmed the impression I have 
always entertained of the dignity, worth and excellence of 
human nature. There is certainly a spark of divinity in 
man. These letters were written with no view to pub- 
licity — the utterances were in the recesses of private confi- 
dence — and yet there is not a line that the author would 
be ashamed for the whole world to read. This fact shows 
character. You say I admire your husband — indeed I do. 
He was pure in private as in public life. He was no actor. 
To high intellectual qualities, literary acquirements, pro- 
fessional standing and fervent patriotism, were added the 
gentle graces which mark the good man, and theChristian, 
of which these letters are an evidence. Again I thank you, 
and let me express my admiration for the devotion which 
you pay to the memory of so good a husband and so 
great a man. 

I have derived much pleasure from reading the letters, 
and Mrs. Lea (who has the book now in her hands) is 
equally charmed, and does me the honor to say they re- 
mind her of the letters she received from me, only that my 
letters were not so full of expressions of love. I tell her 
that she has forgotten what I did write. The letters writ- 
ten after marriage show the true, good, affectionate hus- 
band. I have not seen in any letter a word or a sentence 
that required suppression. The photograph and the pic- 
ture of "Sans Souci" will ornament the walls of our house, 
alongside of those we love, and I thank you for sending 



6 Lettehs. 

them to me, nor could you have sent to one who would 
prize them more highly. 

I feel very much honored by the printing of my letter 
as an appendix to the collection. The association of 
my name with Governor Perry's is indeed an honor; 
and, Madam, if you feel kindly to me because I express 
admiration for your husband, I am glad. I believe Gov- 
ernor Perry was an unselfish patriot — a brave man who 
would have suffered martyrdom for what he believed to be 
the truth ; who had the courage to side in a minority of 
one, when he thought he was right — a good man and a 
great man — and I am glad that in the declining 3'ears of 
my life, though 1 never saw him, I made his acquaintance 
through his writings. 

May Providence smile on you in age as it did in youth. 
Very sincerely your friend, 

John M. Lea. 



United States Coitrts for South Carolina, 

Charleston, S. C, 13th May, 1890. 
My Dear Madam — The express yesterday brought me 
the beautiful volume containing the first series of Gov. 
Perry's letters to you. I am reading the book with a 
great deal of interest, and it is the best biography you 
could give of Gov. Perry. The get up of the book, type, 
paper and binding are unusually good, I thank you very 
much for it. 

Your series of letters inspiies me more favorably the 
more I read them. As I said to you before, it is an excel- 
lent biography, and at the same time the letters give a 
lifelike glance at our old civilization and society, which are 
fast becoming tradition. 

With great respect. Yours truly, 

Charles H. Simonton. 



WoFFORD College, Spartanburg, S. C, 

April 24, 1890. 
My dear Madam— The volume, " Letters of Gov. Perry 
to his Wife," which you so kindly sent me some days since, 
brings me under renewed obligations to you for kind and 



Letters. 7 

thoup:htful consideration. Please accept my thanks for 
this most interest! no- volume, I have read it with great 
delif^ht. It is a delicate matter to draw aside the curtain 
and let the public see the home-life of a man ; and but few 
men could bear such a test. But every view of your hon- 
ored husband brings out the splendid proportions of his 
character; and this look into his heart and his home re- 
veals the wealth of fond affection which he lavished upon 
his loved ones, and shows how tenderly he cared for those 
he loved while the weight of great public responsibilities 
rested upon him. 

The picture of pure and manly love which is presented in 
his letters to his fiancee and to his young wife is as tender 
and lovely as the figure he made afterwards in his coun- 
try's history was noble and great. 

Permit me, my dear Madam, to thank you for this ex- 
hibition of wifely affection which embalms the memory' of 
your husband in such enduring and devoted love. 

With assurances of highest esteem, I am 
Your obedient servant, 

A. Coke Smith. 



Rectory, Columbia, S. C, April 9th, 1890. 
My dear Mrs. Perry — I have just finished reading the 
" Letters of Gov. Perry to his Wife," written in 1842-1846, 
inclusive, which you kindly sent me. Home-like, affection- 
ate, and natural, these letters give your friends an insight 
into Gov. Perry's character which nothing else could give. 
The sketches, now and then, of public men and political 
events, and the references they make to social life in Co- 
lumbia, and the frequent mention of names dear and 
honored in our State, give interest to the letters and make 
the reading of them interesting. But the Governor's con- 
stant thought of his home life; his feeling of home-sick- 
ness ; his consideration for his children, never forgetting 
to bring them presents; his concern for the horses and the 
cows and the hogs ; his directions for the servants and his 
consideration for thew ; and his natural and loving mes- 
sages to you all, written amid the cares of court, or the 
duties of his Senatorial life, show how these home feelings 



8 Letters. 

and seiitimeiits of devotion to domestic life formed a part, 
and a <:^reat part, of his cyiaracter. 

His writinfi; to you just after dislocatin<j; his wrist and 
breakin<2; his arm, and his t^oing into court the next day 
to i)lead a cause for his client, show the heroic in his char- 
acter; while his impulse to shed tears, on seein<>- a striking 
likeness to his father in the face of John Q. Adams, when 
they met in Washington, and his resolutiou, instantly 
formed, never to say ought against him again, shows how 
true he was to the truest affections and sentiments of the 
human heart. 

J knew Gov. Perry to be such a innn, but I have enjoyed 
reading over the letters for the information they give of 
other things, and because it is delightful to find how uni- 
versal the human heart is, and how consecrated in every 
true soul are the endearing associations and holy affec- 
tions of our homes. And yet, my dear friend, how tran- 
sient is all that we hold dear here! How few of the men 
he speaks of are now living! And how altered the lives 
and the circumstances of those who survive! And what 
transformations in the life of our State and country have 
occurred since your husband and Mr. Memminger voted in 
our Legislature against the expulsion fromtheState of Mr. 
Hoar! And how certain that we, too, must ere long leave 
this scene of our duties, our toils and our loves ! May we 
enter the rest that remaineth, my dear Mrs. Perry, and 
may our families unite in our Father's house in Heaven 
where there are no partings, where death cannot come, 
and where every faculty of our souls will find enternal 
peace and joy. Most truly your friend, 

Ellison Capers. 



Georgetown, S. C, July 12th, 1890. 

Dear Miidam—Retmm^^ from Pawley's Island the day 
Ivfore yesterday I found at the express office your beauti- 
ful gift. I assure yon I value it for nmiiy reasons. 

First, because it gives me a picture of the heart of one 
who long stood in the front rank of the manliest men. 

Secondly, because it gives me a picture of the graceful 
clinging vine that twined around that majestic oak. 



Letters. 9 

Thirdly, because it gives me a lovely picture of a happy 
home, a o:rand father, loving mother and dutiful children. 

And I value it too for its historical glimpses. 

And lastly, it brings out on the picture gallery of 
memory, the sweet, seraphic face of your darling Anna, 
than whom no teacher ever taught a lovelier pupil. 

I thank you, dear madam, for remembering me kindly. 
May the evening of your life at Sans Souci be without a 
cloud to obscure the stars of your sky — memory and hope. 
I am, dear Mrs. Perry, 

Most respectfully and gratefully, 

Wm. T. Capers. 



House of Representatives, 
Washington, I). C, April 19th, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — I received to-day the volume of 
Letters of your distinguished husband written to yourself, 
and return my thanks for your kind consideration in 
sending it to me. I sat down this evening in my room 
and read many of them, and as they revealed to me the 
picture of a happy married life, I could but think of the 
fortunate influence of home upon one's career in life. 
Gov. Perry was one of South Carolina's great men, one 
who thought for himself, and gave honest, patriotic and 
fearless utterance to opinions formed with judgment and 
calm deliberation ; but I hope you will not consider me as 
using language of flattery in attributing to your earnest 
and sympathizing interest, a large share in having stim- 
ulated and encouraged his efforts to such honorable and 
distinguished successes. The volume dedicated to your 
children and grandchildren will stimulate those of many 
generations to emulate the admirable traits of their illus- 
trious ancester, exemplified in the correspondence you 
have so faithfully preserved. 

I could not but reflect that, in the publication of Gov. 
Perry's reminiscences and other literary and political pro- 
ductions, a service has been rendered to the State, also, in 
preserving in permanent and enduring form, for the youth 
of South Carolina, knowledge of the men who maintained, 
in days gone by, the honor and glorious name of a com- 



10 Letters. 

menwealth rich in the prestige of noble deeds by noble 
sons. Living, as Gov, Perry did, in the midst of events of 
great historic interest, and being himself one of those who 
occupied a leading and prominent position during days of 
great emergency, his acts and utterances are lessons to 
us, and to those who will succeed us in the responsibilities 
of public life, teaching us by precept and example the 
duties of the citizen and the patriot. 

These letters, taken as a whole, present a picture of 
the past, with its tour of daily life so different from that 
of the present, that one can hardly realize that a few de- 
cades only have wrought such changes. 

And, though vvecall it "progress," it isdoubtful whether 
our people are to-day happier, wiser or better than our 
elders were, forty years ago. It must therefore be to you 
a comfort and a solace, to live over again in memory a 
life replete with so many propitious incidents and joyous 
hours. Thanking you for the valued gift just received,! 
beg to subscribe myself, 

Verj^ respectfully and sincerely yours, 

Samuel Dibble. 



Diocese of Alabama, 
Spring Hill, Oct. 22d, 1890. 
My Dear Mrs. Perry— 1 feel highly honored by your valued 
gifts "The Sketches" and "The Tribute." I have read with 
the deepest interest the "Tribute," and am reading from 
time to time, as opportunity offers, the "Shetches." As I 
read, lam increasingly struck by the reflection that no one 
of the great men of whom he writes surpasses — if indeed 
equals — your honored husband in the possession of that 
greatest of attributes — The will to do right! As I see the 
perpetual manifestation of that Godlike quality in all his 
conduct through a stormy and eventful life, his character 
rises before me until it reaches the sublime! Happy the 
woman who won so true a heart ! 

" The memory of the just 

Is fragrant when it sleeps in dust." 

Yours faithfully— may I say affectionately? — 

Richard H. Wilmer, 



Letters. 11 

Diocese of New York, 

Syracuse, 0(;t. 7th, 1890. 

My den r Friend^'S on have shown nie f^reat and kind 
oonsideration, quite beyond all my expectation or deserv- 
ing'. Your valuable and tonchint>- "it'ts and letter have 
been left here for me during- my lonj> absence at my old 
homestead in Hadley, Massachusetts, and on retnrninti' for 
the season 1 have just o])ened the })ackao;e. How o()od 
you are to cherish so faithful a remembrance of the slight 
attention I showed your son thirty years afi;o! I tind the 
ex]jlanation in t\\^''!^Q burniiiu- lettei-s of passiona.te love 
and devt)tion which you havefor animperishable treasure, 
fc^r they nncover not only the writer's heart but youi- own 
as well. To be loved and so admired by so lofty and noble 
a spii'it and so wise a man is a rare piivileoe and a high 
honoi-. Yon must live much in that beautiful and l)lessed 
jjast. 

You must, I fear, have thouLrht nu^ neolioent. I hasten 
therefoi-e to acknowledjj^e <.J-I7itefully l)()th the volumes and 
your jn-ecious words, sending- you at the sauie time a copy 
of my late annual address, which is much more pei-sonal 
than usual. Most respectfully and sincerely yours, 

Frederic D. Huntington. 



Camden, S. C, Apiil 28th. 1890, 
My dear Mndfini—\ have to acknowledge most giatefully 
the i-eceipt of the V(jlumes of Gov. Peny's L^'tters to you, 
so kindly sent me. They would have been acknowledgetj 
befoie but for my continued ill-health. The letters are in- 
deed a valuable coutributicju to the litt'rature of oui* State 
and times. They iliusti-ate most happily the domestic 
virtues which characterized the best families of the South 
in the old regime, so little comprehended, and so greatly 
nmliunpd by the ignor-ant and pi-ejudiced. 

I have examined them with gr -at ])l<^asure and interest. 
I'hey have refreshed my nnnnory of nmny social and per- 
sonal incidents, as well as pn!)lic events anfl ])ersons, oncf 
most fan.iMar to me. They take me back in memory to 
the time when Gov^^l•nor lVri-y examined me for admission 
to the V>,n\ as onn of a comiiiittee of examination, com- 



1 2 Letters. 

posed of some of the distinguished ji;entlemen so frequently 
nicritioned in the letters, as anioii<;' his intimates and 
friends, and with whom (young as I was) I had the privi- 
lege of a most agreeable inteieourse in those days. I aift 
especially pleased with the beautiful illustrations of these 
charming books. I tiiink them exceptioimlly good. "Sans 
Souci" iw admirably represented, and vividly reminds me 
of the many pleasant hours which 1 have enjoyed there 
wht'n so kindly' antl hos{)itably entertained by the Gov- 
ernor anil yourself. I beg to be most kindly remembered 
to Mrs. Beattie and such other members of your family as 
may be with you at this time. 

With sincere and grateful thanks for your njany kind- 
nesses, I am truly and respectfully yours, 

John B. Kershaw. 



California University, 
Berkeley, Cala., May 30th, 1890. 
Denr Madcmi — I have received your beautiful volumes — 
beautiful in their appearance, still more beautiful in their 
contents. They are indeed a noble record of a noble life. 
The picture there given of domestic life and conjugal love 
is almost ideal in its beauty and rarely realized in this 
woild. Surely the contem])lation of such a life cannot but 
elevate the reader and help him to realize it also. 

With nmny reverent memories of your noble husband 
and grateful remembrances of youi-self, I remain, madani, 
Veiy sincerely yours, Joseph LeConte. 



Columbia, S. C, June 4th. 1890. 
My (lenr Mrs. Perry — 1 received by express, a few days 
ago, the books you were so th()u»:litful as to send me. 
"Letters of Gov. Benjamin Franklin Perry to his Wife." 
I thaid-: you, with all my heart, f(jr the privilege of own- 
ing the books and i-eading the letters. They aie in many 
respects a study to me of great interest. Li the first })lace. 
they show how a num of intense firtnness and solidity of 
character, one in a high degree qualified to battle with ail 



Letters. 13 

the rugged forces of life, can be tenderly touched by those 
holier amuniments which alone make life blossom and 
bear the fruit which makes it endurable. 

Some self-appraised strong men pretend to scout at love. 
Not so your noble husband. Evidently he loved as fiercely 
and as truly as he battled for the right in all things. 

Then, am I struck by the manner in which he touched, 
even in his " love-letters", upon public affairs, ahowing 
how thoroughly, in the early professional days, he under- 
stood men and things. His keen and masterful analysis 
of persons and events, sometimes in a brief sentence, some- 
times more in extenso, is most charming to observe. 

One can observe, too, throughout these letters, written to 
you, and then not dreaming that others should share 
them with you, how he was treading his way to those 
high principles and that lofty estimate of duty the deter- 
mined practice of which has made him a guide-post in the 
history of this State and land. Under the sanctity of 
such letters, men write out their honest selves. 

It is pathetic to read of his longing for home when away 
for wife and children, and with other refreshing features 
shows that, brave and stern as he might be when danger 
or duty required, yet his heart easily kindled with the sen- 
timents which have glorified the best of men. 

What sacred memories must have come to you while 
preparing these letters! I sympathize with you, my dear 
friend, and again thank you for honoring me with the 
books. Affectionately yours, Edmund N. Joyner. 



Grace Church Rectory, New York, July 2. 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — Your volume of '' Letters " reached me 
just as I am on the point of leaving home for my summer 
vacation, so that I have only time just now to acknowl- 
edge the receipt of them, and to thank you for your kind- 
ness in sending them. In running my eye over the pages 
I can see how full of personal interest the letters are. The 
pictures add much to the general effect. 

I am much interested to learn that your son and my 
class mate "Perry" are one and the same person. Ire- 
member him well. Possibly he will also remember me. 



14 Letteks. 

Proud am I, too, for the sake of " '59/' that he has done 
BO well, and is now a member of Congress from South Car- 
olina. Pray remember me to him most kindly. Mem- 
minger was also another South Carolinian of the same 
class. 

Bishop Huntington, who was at that time in the Unita- 
rian ministry and preacher to Harvard University, is no 
relation of mine, for we have to go back to 1660 to find a 
common ancestor, but he is a very dear friend. I studied 
divinity under his oversight, and was his assistant at 
P^manuel Church, Boston, after he had become an Episco- 
palian. Believe me with great respect and regard, 
Most truly and sincerely yours, 

W. R. Huntington. 



Louisville, Ky., July 3, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry— I received, with great pleasure, the 
first series of the letters of Gov. B. F. Perry, to yourself, 
in the form of a memorial volume, but have not received 
the other series you mentioned as having been sent to me. 
I trust they may come to hand very soon, for I shall take 
great pleasure in reading them all. 

To say that I was early taught, and early learned, to 
admire and love your lamented husband, needs no assur- 
ance from me. I was but a lad when he was at the zenith 
of his achievements as a lawyer and statesman, and I re- 
member that he was a beau ideal with me of the highest 
type of a heroic manhood. I remember how 1 would seek 
the Court house at Greenville during the trial of some 
famous case, when I was a school and college boy, to hear 
Maj. Perry especially in his splendid arguments upon the 
"law and the fact." 

As I remember, he was unequalled at the bar in the 
Greenville Judicial Circuit, in moral force and forensic 
ability, with both Court and jury. There was a sublime 
dignity of conscious right; an incorruptible integrity in 
the manner and speech of Maj. Perry that commanded 
respect and won the admiration of all who knew or heard 
him. He had no weak points. He stood above reproach 
and beyond criticism from any just basis. As playful and 



Letters. 15 

g:eiiial as a child with those he respected and loved, he was 
as bold, courao;eous and fearless as a lion in the assertion 
of his convictions, and the firm and unyielding mainte- 
nance of his principles; and unsparing in his unrelenting 
condemnation of corruption and vice, whether in " Prince 
or Peasant." 

No political or judicial history of South Carolina would 
be full or complete without the recital of his political and 
forensic achievements. He was in truth a power in the 
land, '^ a giant among giants," who grappled for the mas- 
tery and control of the destiny of our gallant little Pal- 
metto State. 

Times without number I have listened with deepening 
attention and interest to my father's recital of the high 
estimate he placed upon the life and character of your 
lamented husband. They represented for many years the 
District of Greenville in the State Legislature, and were 
from boyhood and early manhood, and throujrh a long 
life-time, most intimate and cordial in their friendships, 
personal and political. I have heard from my earliest 
recollection, my father recite your noble husband's many 
virtues; tell of his incorruptible and stainless life and 
character; of his sublime moral and physical courage un- 
der the most exacting and difficult circumstances, in which 
he had been his closest and movst confidential friend. 
Learned and patient in his labors, he stood easily among 
the first in his profession in his day. Strong in all the 
wisdom that can adorn and brighten the life and charac- 
ter of a pure and incorruptible citizen, he was a patriot of 
unblemished record, and of the most heroic mould. His 
name and fame he bequeathed as a priceless legacy to his 
family and friends, while the brightest pages of the history 
of South Carolina will bear the record of his name and 
achievements. 

I commend the sentiment of an affectionate memory 
that prompted the publication of Gov. Perry's letters to 
yourself, first as his fiancee^ then as his fond and devoted 
wife. The reading of them is refining and elevating. The 
closer the public can get to the inner hearth-stone life, the 
best thoughts of so just and pure a man and patriot, the 
stronger the moral lessons taught and the better appre- 



IG Letters. 

bended. These letters are but the pure and simple utter- 
ances and expressions of the heart-beats of a man suns 
peur et sans reproche; a model husband, father and friend. 

But I did not intend, my dear madam, to write 3'ou at 
such length, and I trust you will pardon my intruding so 
far. But your note and the most acceptable gift seemed 
like "sounds from home," and they certainly recalled the 
sweetest memory of a "vanished hand" that was so strong; 
and faithful in all the conflicts of life. 

With my best wishes, and the prayer that your declinin<r 
years may be brightened and sweetened by the fond recol- 
lections of a happy past, as well as by an earnest and as- 
sured hope of the future promised to "the faithful " here, 
I am sincerely and cordially, 

Your most obedient servant, 

Robert Perry Duncan. 



Uplands, Brookline, Mass., 5 June, 1890. 

Dear Madam — The letters of your lamented husband to 
yourself have reached me by your kindness, and I have 
read the volumes with interest. You have surely left noth- 
ing undone to illustrate the character and perpetuate the 
memory of Governor Perry. Few characters bear so com- 
plete an unveiling, and few memories owe so much to a 
wife's devotion. It presents a charming picture of do- 
mestic affection. I was glad to find my own name kindly 
mentioned in one of the Governor's letters from Washing- 
ton, and am sorry that I did not see more of him there or 
in Boston. The portraits are exceedingly good, particu- 
larly that of yourself. 

It will give me pleasure to send a volume or two, at 
some future day, to the "Perry Library," agreeably to 
your request. Meantime believe me, with sincere thanks 
for your gift, 

Yours, respectfully and truly, 

ROBT. C. WiNTPROP. 

Mrs. Ex. Gov. Perry. 



Letters. 17 

Birmingham, Ala., April 30, 1890. 
My dear Mrs. Perry — I duly received the volume of let- 
ters. It is a luxury to read them. The heart was true 
and brave that inspired them. They are the quicksilver 
behind the ^lass that reflects a rare felicity and a happy 
home. I thank you sincerely for affording; me this addi- 
tional opportunity to study the life of a remarkable man. 
I accept the books also as a delijihtful reminder of your 
own repeated acts of kindness to me, all of which I appre- 
ciate. It is seldom one sees a jiood letter in print, but 
Gov. Perry's were too useful to the world to be consigned 
to obscurity, and you are a public benefactor in publishing 
the letters. I have read them with a strange fascination. 
I thank you sincerely for giving me so much pleasure. I 
now realize that I am acquainted with a strong, noble and 
affectionate man's life. I have never known a better 
rounded character than Gov. Perry's. It reminds me of 
Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. You two were wonderfully 
suited to each other and your home was a perfect home. 
I think Dr. Hext M. Perry's face bears a striking resem- 
blance to yours as shown in your pictures. The letters are 
simpl}' perfect. Your husband was always your lover, 
very devoted. I have no doubt Gov. Perry's diary is full 
of most valuable information about his times. It is a 
monument in itself to him. 

The publications you have made are data of invaluable 
worth in making history. The Judges of the Court of Ap- 
peals congratulated Gov. Perry on your briefs — the briefs 
you had copied. Now the type-writer takes down all 
briefs, and a lawyer would be afraid to send a MS. brief to 
a Court of Appeals. Young women in Birmingham are 
seen in every office taking all kinds of business papers on 
type-writers. Had the telegraph been in existence Gov. 
Perry would have sent you a message three times a day. 
But I wonder if people love as much in these fast days as 
in the earlier times! I am afraid many of the young mar- 
ried men of to-day will never believe anything but that 
you have sent out a work of fiction in the letters ! Thpy 
hold divorce as a mental reservation in too many cases, 
whereas divorce was a horror too great to go on the Stat- 
ute book in South Carolina. By-the-way, your son, Hon, 



18 Letters. 

W. H. Perry, must know my first cousin, Hon. Geo. W. Dar- 
gan, in Congress. I bid you ^ood morninnj, as I write be- 
fore breakfast, and beg you to accept my renewed thanks, 
and to believe hie, 

Most truly your friend, 

John W. DuBose. 



East Lake, Ala., July 13, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — I fear my name has lost its rights 
on your list of correspondents. But I only speak truth 
when I say that I have so frequently— almost daily — read 
of you that I can not realize that I have not written. 1 
certainly believed I had thanked you for the treat I had 
enjoyed in the copy of the first Reminiscences you sent, and 
had to borrow to send. There are no books like Gov. 
Perry's writings. The style is so natural one may read 
even when the narrative is already known by heart. There 
is a> self-evident disposition to be just and to write truth. 
His view of Mr. Calhoun is particularly striking. He takes 
as candid view of Mr. Yancey as any one occupying his 
personal and political relations to him could be expected 
to take, and morecandid, indeed, than any man I know. It 
was not known at Gov. Perry's time of writing w'/i.y the Con- 
federate Commission to Europe, composed of a number of 
distinguished men, failed. I hope to explain the facts some 
day. I have a great deal of original correspondence which 
the world has never seen, but will see some day. All the 
world agrees with Gov. Perry that Mr. Yancey's influence 
lead to breaking up the Union. There can be no shadow 
of doubt about that and the fact will be published. Gov. 
Pen-y's opinion that Mr. Yancey went to the Charleston 
Convention to prevent the concession of the tSouth to the 
North is also correct. But for Mr. Yancey, I believe Ala- 
V)ama would not have seceded, and Alabama's action 
determined all the Gulf States. I consider Gov. Perry's 
general estimate of men, Y'ancey included, the most lucid 
and the best in every respect I ha\e ev^r seen. There is 
nothing but Plutarch to compare his writings to. 

I have read and re-read the two volumes of letters. I 
have never become acquainted with a more uniformly con- 



Letters. 19 

tented and happy life than the author of those letters, A 
picture of husband and father drawn from them would be 
perfect in wisdom and kindliness. They ^ive most valua- 
ble information, and I do not remember one of the whole 
series that I would not be ready to read again and again. 
The author's life was a most exalted manhood. 

From a political standpoint I do not think the whole of 
Gov. Perry's services in the Legislature and the Conven- 
tions can compare in importance to his course as Gov- 
ernor. There was but one man in the State who could fill 
the higher office as he filled it. He might have so ingra- 
tiated himself with the powers at Washington as to have 
secured a lucrative and eminent office. He took no such 
step. On the contrary he did his duty to South Carolina 
in such a way as to cut him off forever from favor in high 
places. This is the crown of his career. Had he put his 
heel down on the people of the State as Johnson did in 
Tennessee, Mahone in Virginia, and so on, he could have 
been Vice President. I say without hesitation, he was the 
most honest public man I ever knew. 

Often do I wish I could have known Gov. Perry, to hear 
him explain the difference between what was done and 
what could have been done, for he of all men I know gave 
that very question most sober and profound thought. I 
cannot find a paper in his writings on Mr. Jefferson Davis, 
and I imagine he did not write much about him. I have 
never thought the time is ripe to take a clear view of that 
gentleman's public career. 

Hoping you are well and that you wall pardon my long 
delay in writing, I remain 

Sincerely your friend, 

John W. DuBose. 



Santa Barbara, Cal., May 19th, 1890. 

My clear Cousin — I received last w'eek the "Letters of 
Governor Perry," which you kindly sent me, (enclosing 
therein your letter,) for which I sincerely thank you. 

Be assured that my admiration for the entire character 
of your husband rather increases, as time wears off the 
impression of the scenes and the events which so swayed 



20 Letters. 

the minds of Southern men who lived and participated 
in the scenes of the Past. Undoubtedly, Gov. Perry's 
judf2:nient and foresip:ht were correct, and his noble con- 
duct, to " c^ist in his lot with his State," at the breaking,- 
out of the civil war, was, in the opinion of all Southern 
men, truly patriotic. The y)erusal of the " Letters " is very 
interestinji; to one who lived during the incidents he re- 
lates. I have not yet read them regularly, but upon glan- 
cing over them, I see so many names of the prominent 
public men of that day who were well known to me, either 
personally or by reputation, that the incidents mentioned 
in connection with them will make the reading of the book 
more interesting, and will recall to my recollection the 
memory of the times and the scenes when a nobler and a 
better class of men existed than they do at this day. 

I see allusions also made in places to myself, and alto- 
gether the perusal of the "Letters" will be quite interest- 
ing. Will you, therefore, please accept my thanks for your 
kind remembrance of me, and consideration in sending the 
book to one who entertains as great a respect for the high 
character of your husband as I do. 

My dear cousin, we will never meet each other in this 
world, may we meet again in the next and better one. 

Asking you to kindly present me to my cousins who may 
be with you, and with the sincere wish for your prolonged 
happiness and comfort, believe me to be always 
Your affectionate cousin, 

W. Alston Hayne, Sr. 



Camden, S. C, Sept. 11th, 1890. 
My dear Madam — I received by express the Reminiscences 
of the men of the past of this State with whom your noble 
husband was associated. IMease accept my warmest 
thanks for this most delightful book. It should be studied 
by the younger generation, for in reading its pages they 
are brought face to face with the grt^at men who illustrate 
their State in the Forum, and they are thereby enabled to 
look, with unclouded vision, into the dark days, and are 
made to comprehend the causes which led up to that most 
fatal of political mistakes, "Separate State Action." This 




^)^scWK\NKX^Ov>v^ 



Letters. 21 

dogma certainly has proved the lUiad of all of our woes. 

I never had the pleasure of knowing- Gov, Perry, but 
have always admired his sterling worth, and had the high- 
est opinion of his aggressive intellect. He did his own 
thinking, (a very rare virtue,) and when he arrived at a 
conclusion it was always just. 

I shall treasure the book not only for its great value, 
but also in niemoriam of the noble matron who presented 
it. Mrs. Burnet joins me in kindest regards. My father is 
still living, and although he numbers eighty-one years, his 
intellect is clear and vigorous. I remain, dear madam, 
Truly your obliged servant, 

A. W. Burnet, M. D. 



Greenville, S. C, April 21, 1890. 

Mj dear Mrs. Perry — I return you my heartfelt thanks 
for the handsome volume of " Letters from Governor B. F. 
Perry to his wife," which you kindly sent me several days 
ago. I have deferred acknowledging its receipt until I 
had finished reading it; and now I can tell you how much 
I have enjoyed its perusal, how interesting to me are its 
entire contents, and the grateful sense of your kindness in 
sending it to me wliich I feel. The letters are especially 
interesting to me from the fact that I have a distinct recol- 
lection of most of the events and most of the persons to 
whom allusion is made in them. In fact, I have been com- 
pletely carried back to the Greenville of forty years ago 
while reading them. 

From ray boyhood I have loved and revered Governor 
Perry, and during all that period have been honored with 
his friendship. I have always read every thing that 1 have 
seen that was written by him, and about him^ but I must 
say that this volunie has revealed him to me in a. light in 
which I but imperfectly knew him before. I knew always 
that his great heart was full of love and kindness, but 
never before knew the depth and tenderness of his love for 
his home and its cherished inmates. 

Lion-hearted as he was among men, and dauntless ever 
in the face of overwhelming opposition, when championing 
what he believed to be the cause of truth and right, these 



22 Letters. 

lettei-s shew tlmt his heart was ever filled with the tender- 
est solicitude for the welfare of his loved ones at home, and 
continually overflowing- with love and devotion to them. 
True is it 

" The bravest are the tenderest, 
The loving are the daring." 

My family and many of my fiiends shall enjoy reading- 
these letters, and doubtless will feel as I do that we owe 
you a debt of <>Tatitude for havin<^ published them. With 
renewed thanks and sirieerest rejjard, I am 
Very truly, your friend, 

Stanley S. Cuittendex. 



SuMMERViLLE, S. C:, April 28th, 1890. 
My dear Mrs. Perry — Let me thank you most heartily 
for the volumes of "Letters" you kindly sent me. They 
are models, such as I wish all husbands would try to rival. 
No wonder that you so fondly cherish the memory of him 
who loved you so faithfully and so dearly as these letters 
so abundantly prove. I prize them not only as models, 
but also because they recall so pleasantly to memory the 
facts and characters of so many honored sons of our 
State that 1 used to meet half a century a«;o. The younj;- 
men tell me that you are giving them most interesting- 
history of the private life of men of the olden time, which 
they could never have hoped to get from any other source. 
Well for them and well for the State, if you shall inspire 
them with the hope and resolve to win, to labor, and love 
hearth and wife as your husband loved them. The "Let- 
ters" so great/y entertain and delight me, that I have 
been reading some of them aloud to my dear wife. We 
take them at intervals like our dessert after dinner. What 
tender, yet ardent, anti-houeyraoon love letters Governor 
Perry writes. I cannot rationally account for them, except 
on the supposition that the inspiration came from the 
"lady" to whom they were written. It was only by sud- 
den inspiration that Howard Payne wrote "Home, Sweet 
Home," and Key wrote the "Star Spangled Banner." If 
either of them could have been inspired by any other sub- 
ject, then why did they not write so again? Gov. Perry 



Letters. 23 

lias written eloquently on other subjects, but nothing else 
that has the tender grace of these " Love Letters." 

Please give Mrs. Beattie for me my kind regards, and 
accept for yourself assurance of best wishes for your wel- 
fare and happiness. 

Very truly yours, 

B. C. Pressley. 



Charleston, S. C, July 11, 1890. 

My denr Mrs. Perry — Let me assure you your very kind 
letter with the books afforded me the highest gratification, 
and it will give me no little pleasure in carefully reading 
and in fully enjoying the contents. I have already looked 
over many of the "Letters" from your dear husband to 
you, and I may truly affirm they exhibit so much true love 
and deep affection, in such pure, simple and excellent lan- 
guage and style, as to assure me that you had the felicity 
of enjoying the possession of a noble and true heart, and 
that your happiness was placed upon an unfailing basis 
which nothing could change or shake, so long as life 
should last. * * * * * **** 
The time has passed to review political disquisitions of 
events of such disastrous results, though I know you 
must contemplate with pride and satisfaction the part 
your distinguished and patriotic husband played during 
those trying times. I believe many fatal mistakes were 
made. The beginning of the tragedy was the most unfor- 
tunate split of the Democratic party at the Charleston 
Convention in 1860, and if the policy of Gov. Perry had 
been adopted, the result would have been different, and 
the final issue deferred, if not indefinitely postponed. 

My wife desires to be remembered to you and to say she 
has been reading the "Letters" written to you, and that 
they give her more pleasure than novel reading. She 
thinks them very beautiful. She is a great geneologist, 
aud in reading the sketches of Eminent American States- 
men, she traces back your descent and hers from a com- 
mon ancestor, "Mrs. Hext, " and is pleased to know 
that you and her are cousins. 

I do well remember the happy evenings spent at your 
dear mother's in New Haven more than fifty years ago, 



24 Letters. 

but could hanlly flatter myself with the idea of beinu re- 
tained in your recollection. I am the oldest friend you 
have. 

I served with Gov. Perry in the Len;islature durinjr the 
years l8r)0-'r)l-"52 and '58. In readinjj; the s})eeches 1 
recall the manner and appearance of (iov. Perry when in 
the Leftislature in 1850 he delivei-ed a very eloquent one. 
which he said he left as a '•le<»:acy to his children and his 
country." I sat near him at the time and have a vivid 
recollection of the whole affair. I then thought hijihly of 
it, but upon the ])erusal thereof I think it a much abler 
speech than upon hearing; it. I may have thought him 
haughty and harsh, but the feeling of kindness, respect 
and regard he exhibits towards many of his opponents, 
has entirely changed my own views and opinion regarding 
your distinguished and deeply lamented husband. The 
likeness taken at the age of seventj'-two years, is most 
exact and shows a wonderful preservation and expression. 

I remember very accurately the conversation it was my 
happiness to have held with your loved and devoted hus- 
band in the Legislative hall when I introduced myself and 
claimed a right to know him from my former intimacy 
with your dear mother, sisters and above all with youi'self 
his loved wife. Let me assure you, though Gov. Perry 
and I were on different sides of political questions, I al- 
wa3^s entertained the highest i-espect for him as a man of 
the greatest firmness, and purity in all his views, and now 
since by your kindness in sending me \'our noble tribute 
to his fine ability in your books, I am more fully able to 
appreciate the nobility and purity of his nature, of his 
lofty and unselfish patriotism, of his sagacity and wisdom, 
and more than all, of the tenderness of his heart, of his 
kindness and affection for his friends, for his deep love 
and enduring affection for his wife and children, of his 
truth and sincerity in all things. These are the attributes 
that mark and distinguish the great and good man. I 
may be permitted to assure you the morel read the works 
of Gov. Perry, the more I esteem and appreciate him. The 
speeches, orations, addresses, with the sketches of our 
distinguished men, afford me with the "Letters" great 
delight. You have yourself in the preparation and publi- 



Letters. 25 

cation of these books exhibited a wonderful degree of in- 
dustry and perseverance. You have estabHshed the fame 
and fixed the reputation for all time of a truly noble man, 
aiid one endeared to you forever. You may say with the 
Roman poet, "I have erected a monument more durable 
than brass." I trust this will prove a satisfactory reward 
for all your labor. What you have already accomplished 
will secure for him a permanent fame in the history of his 
country. Your sketch of your branch of the Hayne fam- 
ily gave me much satisfaction, as I desired to know some- 
thino- of your mother's and General Hayne's immediate 
ancestors. Your mother was ever kind to me in New 
Haven, and I always admired Robert Y. Hayne extremely. 
The book First Series ''Reminiscences of Public Men," 
was safely received in due time, for which I beg to return 
my best thanks. I appreciate your letters, and the pleas- 
ing possession of the books you have been so good as to 
endow me with. I cherish them and read them with great 
satisfaction. I am sure you give me credit for political 
honesty, though we have differed in our views to a great 
degree. I have been reading the sketch of the life of your 
uncle, "General Robert Y. Hayne." He was one I greatly 
admired. I sincerely think in the great controversy be- 
tween Webster and himself, in the political argument, he 
got the better of Webster. The point at issue was. How 
the Constitution of the United States was established. 
Hayne contended it was by the several sovereign States in 
their sovereign capacity (which was absolutely true) veri- 
fied by the whole history of its adoption. Webster con- 
tended it was framed and adopted by the whole people of 
the United States as one people. Webster afterwards re- 
canted, and in a speech delivered at Capon Springs, in 
Virginia, he said it was a compact, and a compact broken 
on one side is broken on all sides, and this opinion he 
reiterated in a speech at Boston, which gave such offence 
to the Bostonians that they refused to hear him at Fan- 
ueil Hall. Webster's speech in the Senate was a powerful 
one, but on the main point he afterwards was obliged to 
change and come around to the views of General Hayne. 
With my highest regards and respect, I remain 

Yours most truly, Andrew W. Burnet, Sr. 



26 Letters. 

Charleston, vS. C, July 2oth, 1800. 

My dear Mj-s. Perry — The two volumes which you kindly 
sent me some months since, were received while I was un- 
derp;oino: my penance of the grip. I hope that I acknowl- 
edged their receipt. If I did not, attribute my neglect to 
that cause, for the disease attacked my brain, and made 
me oblivious of most things for several weeks afterwards. 

I intended writing more fully after a careful perusal of 
the volumes. Having just .finished this pleasant task, I 
can thank you more sincerely for the gift. They have 
brought to mind so many persons and scenes that had 
passed away, and made them again stand before me, that 
I have enjoyed exceedingly^ the sketches of so many famil- 
iar forms. 

They have also made me appreciate more highly the 
character of your husband. I always recognised his nmnly 
independence and his strong individuality. But I see 
more clearly how firmly hefollowed his convictions against 
so strong a current of popular opinion. 

His honesty of purpose always impressed me, and these 
volumes have strengthened my youthful impressions. His 
character is a rich legacy to his sons. 

I hope that time deals with you as kindly as when I saw 
you last, and I pray that God's blessing may be with you 
and yours in time and in eternity. 

Very truly and affectionately yours, 

C. C. PiNCKNEY. 



Aiken, S. C, July 9, 1890. 
My dear Mrs. Perry— I have read with much interest the 
letters of Gov. Perry, and also the sketches contained in 
the books you kindly sent to me. The public acts and ser- 
vices of Gov. Perry is a i)art of the history of our State. 
These are familiar to all who have any knowledge of South 
Carolina politics since the days of Nullification, and the 
critical times which led to secession and the gloomy period 
of reconstruction. The wisdom and sound statesmanship 
of the Governor upon all of these great issues have been 
fully vindi(iated by the lof^ic of events. He always had the 
respect of the people oi the State even when he was the 



Letters. 27 

foremost and was almost alone in advocating principles 
of government then unpopular in his own State, but which 
time has vindicated as the wisest policy that could have 
been pursued. And at his death he justly enjoyed the 
reputation of having been the most fearless and at the 
same time the soundest statesman South Carolina has 
ever produced. There are others who from being in office 
occupied more prominence, but no one has left a name 
that is equal to his reputation as the embodiment of a wise 
statesman and true patriot. 

This much the public knew from Gov. Perry's services to 
the State; but in publishing his private letters you have 
given an insight into his personal life which can only add 
profound admiration to the high regard that was already 
had for this wise and truly great man. The private life of 
a man, which exposes his natural feelings and impulses, 
gives the best test of judging of a pure and good heart, 
and the letters you have published do honor to the Gov- 
ernor, for they illustrate his true and noble heart in all the 
details of life. 

You, my dear madam, present to a striking degree an 
example of a loving, true and devoted wife; but your hus- 
band was worthy of such a companion, and his memory 
full3^ deserves the tender devotion you have shown. The 
extracts from the journal and the letters give proof of a 
pure life that is fit to be emulated not only by Gov. Per- 
ry's descendants, but by all who honor a noble character. 
I appreciate very highly the books, and both Mrs. Croft 
and myself read them with much pleasure. 

Do present my regards to the members of your house- 
hold, and believe me, dear madam, with great esteem, 
Sincerely your friend, 

George W. Croft. . 



The News and Courier, Charleston, S. C, 

July 14, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry— Please pardon my long delay in 

acknowledging the receipt of the first and second series of 

the "Letters" of your greatly revered husband. I thank 

you very much for your kind thought of me and highly 



28 Letters. 

])rize the "ift. South Carolina has nevpr had a more de- 
voted son than Benjamin Franklin Perry. I would that 
he were alive to-day to raise his voice in tlefence of his 
State, and to encouraj^e by his wise counsel those of us 
who are atternptin<^ to be of some service to our country. 
But thoujj^h dead he yet speaketh; and you are buildinjj^ 
the best monun»ent to his memory in j)reservin<2; the letters 
and speeches which he wrote and uttered durin<>- his useful 
and honorable life. 

My friend, Mr. G. Herbert Sass, a man of fine literary 
taste and a «;reat admirer of your husband, has be«2;p:ed 
me to ask whether it is possible for him to obtain copies of 
the Letters you have publishetl. 

Again thanking you for remembering me, I am 
Very sincerely yours, 

J. C. Hemphill. 



Charleston, S. C, July 2l8t, 1 890. 

Mj dear Madam — Allow me to thank you most heartily 
for the five volumes containing the Sketches, Reminis- 
cences and Letters of your illustrious husband which I 
received by express a few days ago. The volumes have for 
me a very special value, for though I knew Governor Perry 
only slightly, I have always had the greatest admiration 
for his character and his ability. Personal memoirs have 
always possessed a great interest forme, and these sketches 
of the public men of the State from the hand of a master 
in the art of portraiture, arc of especial value just now 
when we have indeed fallen upon "evil days and upon evil 
tongues" — when the State isdaily traduced, her traditions 
scorned, and the memory of all her great leaders be- 
smirched in the foulest manner to further the personal 
ends of selfish demagogues. The value of the materials 
for history which these volumes afford cannot, therefore, 
be overestimated, and we owe a debt of gratitude to you 
for the care with which you have preserved and reproduced 
these records. 

With renewed thanks for your kindness, I remain 
Most truly and respectfully yours, 

G. Herbert Sass. 



Letters. 29 

Cartersville, Ga., Sept. 3, 1890. 

Dear Madam— Absence from home has prevented my 
thankiiio; you for the Memorial volume and Reminiscences 
of Gov. B. F. Perry, of South Carolina, sent me by express 
last month. Since my return I have delayed my acknowl- 
edgments in order that I mi^ht read, and reread, his beau- 
tiful letters. We all admired him in his public life as 
patriot and statesman— but these letters reveal his inner 
life, exhibiting that tender love that none but the noble 
possess as lover, husband and father, which has elevated 
him more than ever in my already exalted opinion of him. 
It is the home life in which we exhibit our true nature. 
How tender and loveable must have been his. 

Again allow me to thank you for these books which will 
always be highly prized by me, and will be given our sons 
for their example and emulation. 
Respectfully, 

John J. Calhoun. 



11 QuiNCY St., Cambridge, Mass., June 7, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — Your kind letter, with the volumes 
of your husband's correspondence, reached me in due sea- 
son and order. Accept my hearty thanks. I have already 
seen enough in these volumes to assure me that their en- 
tire contents will be full of interest, as at once making me 
better acquainted with a character which I have already 
learned to honor and love, and as giving me a more inti- 
mate view of life and society in the State which has to my 
mind always been chief in its claims on regard of the 
Southern group of States, on historical grounds, and for 
the citizens, native and adopted, who have made it illus- 
trious. 

With sincerest regards to your daughter and grand- 
daughter, believe me 

Very truly yours, 

Andrew P. Peabody. 



30 Letters. 

Columbia, S. C, xMay 11, 1890. 

Dear Madnm — Iain ajiain made the recipient of your 
assurances of jjood will and consideration. I am very 
grateful to you for copies of the volumes of your hus- 
band's letters addressed to you at that epoch of your 
Tuarried life when Love was no "inhabitant of earth," but 
an '• unseen seraph " in which he continued to believe until 
the shadow of time rested upon his grave. 

Surely, dear madam, he had just cause to hold your love 
and devotion as the most precious leaves in the wreath of 
life's victories which crowned him in his greatness, for I 
read in these pages, so sweetly consecrated to the por- 
traying of his inner life, the richness and the depth and 
the unalterableness of a devotion whose allegiance even 
death has but made more prominent. 

I have read all of the letters in the tw'o volumes. They 
gave me much pleasure in the perusal. Many of the names 
mentioned in those letters belonged to men who in after 
years were known to me — men who were then on the 
threshold of useful, honorable careers, but with whom I 
came in contact when they were "full of years," and when 
they had been crowned with honors which came to them 
through striving after "bettea things." In reading of such 
men as Mr. Pettigru and Gen. Robert Y. Hayne — neither 
of whom did I ever see — one is inclined to regret that these 
letters do not portray them in social intercourse. Of 
couse as you knew both of them and these letters were 
written to you, this would have been an act of supereroga- 
tion, which under the circumstances of their publication, 
could have had no consideration in the mind of Governor 
Perry. 

With best wishes for your continued good health, I re- 
main, dear Mrs. Perry, 

Respectfully and sincerely, 

Andrew Crawford. 



Greenville, S. C, May 12, 1890. 
My dear Friend— \i\ acknowledging the receipt of the vol- 
umes containing the letters of Governor Perry to you, I 
venture to say, that in the wide circle of his friends and 



Letters. 31 

admirers, there is no one living to whom the o;ift of the 
books calls for warmer thanks than are due you from me. 
The letters recall reminiscences of events, and of persons 
now passed awa.y, the early associates of the author and 
myself. But I prize the volumes not alone because they 
renew to me pleasing recollections. They afford the high- 
est evidence of the noble spirit and true manliness that 
characterizes the gentleman. 

The letters of Gov. Perry are models of their kind, and 
add a beautiful and unfading wreath to the more massive 
structure of his reputation as a patriot, and author of his 
valuable biographical reminiscences, and able speeches 
and addresses. The best evidence that you have done well 
in publishing them is the fact, that they reveal him in a 
new light to many persons who only knew him, or heard 
of him, as a public man. My wife, and daughter (now with 
me) say their appreciation of the character of Gov. Perry 
is greatly enhanced by reading the letters. They did not 
know before how worthy he was in all the private and do- 
mestic virtues so often wanting in public men. His purity 
as a man, in this respect, may be placed along side of that 
which was one of the distinguishing characteristics of John 
C. Calhoun, which Daniel Webster alluded to in his brief 
and beautifully eloquent eulogy on that great man. 

There is another thing shown by the letters — the great 
magnanimity of Gov. Perry, and his kindness of feelings 
towards men who differed from him in politics. In the 
privacy and confidence of his letters to you is found no 
word of detraction in respect to gentlemen who were often 
opposed to him politicafly, and some even bitterly. It is 
true, however, that his personal friendships were seldom 
broken much by political differences, and if ever, the 
breach was usually soon mended, and for many years pre- 
ceding his death there could not be found amongst Caro- 
lina gentlemen a man of any party who withheld from him 
the tribute of honor and commendation he justly merited. 

Again I thank you, and subscribe myself as ever your 
friend, George F. Townes. 



32 Letters. 

Waverly, near White Post, Virginia, 

April 26th, 1890. 

My dear Madam — The receipt of the "Letters of Gov. 
Perry to his Wife," places me under renewed oblip^ations, 
and could you but know the sincere pleasure which these 
volumes have afforded every member of my family, and 
how highly prized they are, it would be some gratification 
to you to know that you have conferred this pleasure 
upon total strangers. The name of your husband has for 
years been as a household word to me. It was natural 
that such should be the case. He, one of the most promi- 
nent and talented men in our South land, to be a decided 
Union man, was to me, an humble anti-secessionist, as 
sweet fragrance. Oh ! my God ! why could not our people 
have listened to reason and to the teachings of such men 
as your dear husband. 

The letters of Gov. Perry to yourself are inimitable. 
The most thorough, genuine conjugal letters I have ever 
read. No wonder, my dear madam, you revere the mem- 
ory of such a man. He was worthy of your love and 
adoration, and he had it. 

If you will pardon me, I will say that the publication of 
private correspondence, ordinarily, might be considered as 
questionable taste ; but in this instance, the case is alto- 
gether different, for independent of the inimitable and 
charming style of the letters, they go to show what a 
tender heart, loving and affectionate disposition was pos- 
sessed by your grand husband, aside from sterling prin- 
ciples and adherence to what he deemed right, under any 
and all circumstances. My library is a limited one, it is 
true, but I can assure you that there are no books which it 
contains that are as highly valued as these same volumes 
pertaining to the life and history of Gov. Perry. 1 want 
every line ever written, every word ever published about 
Gov. Perry. 

What a life your married life must have been ! A con- 
stant sunshine of happiness, or more properly speaking, a 
ceaseless refulgence of the " Hone^^moon." It is no won- 
der that your life is now continually in the past. And 
there can be nothing more beautiful on earth than your 
devotion to the memory of your noble husband. 



Letters. 33 

The more I contemplate the history of Gov. Perry, his 
private and public life, the prouder should we be of human 
nature, and the more satisfied I am that if there ever was 
a specia/ compliment to the woi'k of our Maker, Governor 
Perry was one ! 

If you a// could know the great pleasure which the read- 
ino; of these books has caused my neighbors, my family 
and myself, it would be, I know, a gratification to you. I 
value them most highly, and absolutely money could not 
buy a single copy. 

My dear Mrs. Perry, for my wife, my daughters and my- 
self, allow me again to thank you most sincerely for your 
kind consideration. I repeat that it has been long years 
since I have derived the same pleasure from any books 
that I have from the volumes you have compiled. I know 
so well what an eminent labor of love it has been to you. 
^fay God bless you. May He bless every true and genuine 
wife and mother as you have been. 

With the love of every member of my family to yourself 
and household, I remain 

Sincerely your friend, William C. Kennerly. 



J 



Camden, S. C, July 14th, 1890. 

My Dear Madam — I have the honor and pleasure to 
acknowledge for myself and Mrs. Boykin the token of kind 
remembrance in the shape of two beautiful volumes of 
letters of your noble husband. 

You have a right, my dear madam, to be proud of those 
letters. They not only show absolute devotion and hap- 
])iness through a long married life, but they also show the 
simple grandeur of your husband's character. I fear but 
few if any of our public men have left such an enviable 
domestic record behind them. If any of us who have been 
granted the privilege of perusing those letters are led to 
emulate the high standard of domestic virtue therein dis- 
played, then I am sure you will be more than repaid for 
having published them. 

My mother and wife join me in kind regards to yourself 
and household. 

Very sincerely yours, E. Miller Boykin. ^ 



34 Letters. 

Charleston, S. C, 16th Sept., 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — I owe you an apolof^y for not having 
before this thanked you for the two last volumes relatino- 
to your distin<i;uishe(i husband, Governor Perry. But I 
have been very unwell, and unable to write as I should 
have wished. 

If I had been asked if 1 had ever known Gov. Perry, I 
would at once have said, Yes. But if I had been again 
asked when — and where — and how — I would have been at a 
loss for an answer. For as far as his public life is concerned 
I do not know the day when his name was not familiar to 
me. And as far as his private life is concerned, the fact 
that two of your uncles had married two of my aunts 
made his name almost a household name among us all. 

These considerations have made his life and letters of 
peculiar value to me. Again thanking you for them, I am 
Yours, very respectfully and truly, 

W. Alston Pringle. 



Charleston, S. C, June 30, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — Y'ou do not know how much I have 
enjoyed reading Gov. Perry's letters to his little sweet- 
heart " Lizzie McCall," and then to his "true and faithful 
WIFE." The book came the week of my daughter's mar- 
riage to Mr. Carrington. Her departure for New York, 
and Mrs. W.'s departure with her grand-children and 
daughter-in-law, Mrs. G. W. W., Jr., for Nacoochee, Ga., 
quite upset me, and threw my household into confusion. 
It was only a few days since that I was able to take up the 
letters of my old friend, written when you were a "sweet 
girl of seventeen," regarded as "beautiful in any assembly 
of ladies." 

I was not certain before that you were the neice of the 
great Robert X. Hayne. I remember now when I attended 
I a Methodist Conference in Greenville at the beginning of 

" the war that you alluded to the relationship. 

Now, my dear Mrs. Perry, why did you not make the 
romance complete by publishing those sweet letters of 
yours to the talented young lawyer ? I am sure that we 
should all have enjoyed your letters to him. 



Letters. 35 

How is it that you do not come to Charleston, your 
native city? I am sure you would find a most hearty wel- 
come here. I sent you for your son, Dr. Hext M. Perry, 
" Letters to Youno; Men." I wish I had a copy to send him 
of my ''Travels in the Old and New World." I sent Gov. 
Perry a copy, which I presume you have. 

Again thanking you, my dear Mrs. Perry, for the happi- 
ness you have given me on this and former occasions, I 
remain. Ever your old friend, 

George W. Williams. 



Birmingham, Ala., August 11, 1890. 

My dear Madam — I am very much gratified by the re- 
ceipt of the two books, "Sketches" and "Reminiscences," 
by Gov. Perry. I shall always count them among my 
most valued possessions, to me commemorative alike of 
your good will, and the interesting events of a thrilling 
history. When I read Gov. Perry's writings I feel that his 
words are inspired by the spirit as well as the letter of 
truth, for when I consider his life, I find him strong and 
clear in contest, brave and self-poised under defeat, and 
self controlled and generous when successful. Such a man 
is eminently fitted to stamp himself and his recollections 
upon the record of history, for he is a suggestive and val- 
uable part of history. As my little son grows up I should 
like him to consider an inspiring model of strong and 
noble manhood, a character showing a well balanced brain, 
high moral courage, clear intellect, sound judgment and 
chivalrous bearing under circumstances calculated to ex- 
cite the venom of resentment and the usual folly of hasty 
expressions. I think the life of Gov. Perry portrays such 
a character. The late war was fruitful of strong and in- 
fluential characters. None stood in bolder outline or 
nobler relief than the thoughtful and independent, saga- 
cious and prudent statesman whose life was honest convic- 
tion and disinterested patriotism personified. 

The man of thought has ceased to speak, but his histor- 
ical legacies are instinct with life and will never lose their 
meaning. The great and arduous achievement of mind is 
to see things as they actually are, and not as they are 



36 Letters. 

colored by our prejiidieeH on the one hand or our partiali- 
ties on the other. Our author's achievement in this direc- 
tion is a monument to sound thought and correspondinji; 
action. Accept my best wishes for your personal welfare. 
Very truly, your friend, 

Henuy Page Burruss. 



Birmingham, Ala., May 27th, 1890. 
My dear Mudfim — On my return home last evening I 
found a genuine and most agreeable surprise awaiting me 
two volumes of letters fresh in thought, simple in style, 
natural in tone and instinctive with the noble love of a 
manly heart, speaking the unhidden feelings of the true 
wedded spirit. I had read shortly before with keen inter- 
est the " Reminiscences " and "Sketches" of Gov. Perry. 
They are a masterly stroke on the canvass of real history 
because they crystallize in simple but beautiful touches 
the real life and character of people. These letters now 
come with an especial point to complete the delineation of 
a character whose public side the world had well read and 
warmly approved. Their appropriate mission is to indi- 
cate and emphasize the natural and invariable union of 
public with private virtue, of love and truth in the home 
circle, with purity and integrity in the general councils, of 
loyalty to family with fidelity to country. I have several 
times asked myself the question, what made Governor 
Perry a good and great man, equal to an^' and all emer- 
gencies? for it is the reserve power to meet all emergencies 
as they arise that makes a man truly great. It must be 
that his intellect was clear to discern, his judgment sound 
to discriminate, his heart honest and responsive to the 
right and his soul brave enough to pursue at any cost the 
path of wisdom and of truth. All the expressions of a 
strong nature so well poised, public and private, are of 
lasting interest and value to the countrymen of a man 
whose broad grasp reconciled general order and prosperity 
with the preservation of individual rights and local 
autonomy, His career is the history of a critical and 
thrilling epoch, whose meaning can only be understood by 
a thoughtful contemplation of the impersonations, noble 



Letters. 37 

and ignoble of the times. You have done your country 
and your people an invaluable service in throwing* a full 
stream of light upon the features of the noble character 
that won and deserved your constant love and deathless 
memory. The secret of life's success is to do and love the 
true and noble. The characters of history are the anchors 
and pilots of thinking and enduring humanity. 

Permit me, my dear madam, to thank you most sincere- 
ly for your kindness and consideration in presenting me 
these interesting books, so fraught with meaning to the 
appreciative heart and mind. May your life be long 
spared to enjoy the fruits of a work well planned and 
faithfully executed. 

Moat sincerely and respectfully yours, 

Henry Paue Burruss. 



Watertown, Mass., August 10, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — A much longer time than I expected 
has elapsed since my acknowledgment of the volumes of 
letters from your husband to yourself. When I wrote the 
letter July 5th, I had only had time to glance at the 
contents, and was sorry afterwards that I wrote any 
comment, as upon reading "The Letters" carefully my 
remarks seemed to have been superficial. 

The3" were superficial, but they were true. I was im- 
pressed with his (Gov. Perry's) thoughtfulness for you. 
and for home concerns, when he was so busy that he could 
barely find time to write and tell you so, but I found in 
reading on, that the quotation which closes the first series 
and opens the second series, 

" She was his life ; 
The ocean to the river of his thoughts — 
Which terminated all," 

gives the key to the whole. His public life-his profession- 
was secondary — in his mind— to his home life, and I have 
a'great admiration, my dear Mrs. Perry, for the ruling 
spirit in that home who kept it always where it should 
hold the first place in his heart, and who helped him to be 
the man that he was. 

The letters are of exceeding interest — fascinating; and 
one sees all through that a high toned gentleman is wri- 



38 Lettp:r8. 

ting, and he never chancres; the same spirit fills the last 
letter as the first ; there is enthusiasm, love, loyalty, strict 
integrity, and as I read on I understand more and more 
the character of the man. I thank you so much for send- 
ing the books to me, that I might know him as he was in 
his home, in his daily life. They supplement finely those 
you have so kindly sent me previously in regard to his 
public life, and they form in all a little library of which I 
am quite proud. 

As I have been striving to say, it is the tone of the let- 
ters which form their great charm, but there are some in 
particular which interest me. I have in my mind one in 
which he proves that great minds — great men — have come 
from a country and not a city life; and another in which 
he refers to the American love of change thinking that 
this restless spirit destroys the strong love of country 
that every one should possess. Nothing, it seems to me, 
could be truer than this, but I think your husband must 
have seen as the years went on — every year shows more 
and more — the restlessness of the American people. He 
carries out this same idea in the same letter in other lines 
of thought in a way that is particularly interesting. 

There are many other things of which I could speak, 
but my letter would be too long. 

But there is one more thing of which I must speak, which 
makes the book more valuable historically; it is that in 
1843 people had a season of suffering from "la grippe" 
just as we have had during the past winter. This is some- 
thing quite new to me. I do not remember to have seen 
the name before last winter. 

I do not think that in my last letter I spoke to you as 
fully as I wished of the beauty of the books — the binding, 
type and photographs are all so good. The different 
views of "Sans Souci" are each so delightful, and pictures 
so clear that it is a pleasure to look at them. It seems 
almost wonderful to get so fine an interior as 3'ou have 
with your portrait and that of your husband so distinct 
in it. There is more that I could say, but I will have that 
pleasure at some future time. With love to Mrs. Beattie, 
yourself and Emily. 

Yours sincerely, Mary E. Dowse. 



Letters. 39 

AuBUKN, Ala., May 29th, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — Thank you for the charminp; book 
received yesterday. My first sensation was one of flat- 
tered vanity in receivino such a kind testimonial of your 
esteem and remembrance, but before the first letter was 
finislied this emotion ^-ave place to a feeling- of genuine de- 
light in having in my possession a book so replete with 
such warm sentiments of the heart expressed by a gifted 
mind. It reads like a novel, and while reading it I could 
not have divested myself of the idea that it was fiction if 
I had not have known 'the heroine," and have known, 
too, that she was capable of inspiring from everybody the 
same love and admiration which her beauty and sweetness 
excited in the writer's heart years ago. T'was not my in- 
tention to indulge in personal compliments, for I know 
praise of him is sweeter far than the incense of a world of 
worshippers at your shrine would be. A woman wants 
nothing more than to have been the wife of such a great, 
grand man. He left many lasting testimonials of his judi- 
ciary talents, statesmanship and ability, but to my mind 
these proofs of his mental powers redound with less honor 
to his memory than the purity and sweetness of his pri- 
vate life. That it was blameless, without spot or blemish, 
can be read "between the lines" in his letters to you. 
Nothing else could so eloquently attest it. The thought 
of having them published is worthy of you— it was a sweet 
inspiration, and if the angels can know of such things he 
will thank you when your separation is over. 

Give my best love to every member of the family, espe- 
cially your daughters. Thanking jou most sincerely for 
the "Book of Letters" which I am sure no one to whom 
you have given them will read with more pleasuse than I 
have done, 1 am with best wishes and sincerest friendship. 

Minnie Armstrong. 



305 West 28th St., New York, Sept. 16, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — Doubtless you are thinking me very 

unappreciative in not writing long since to thank you for 

the book so daintily gotten up and so pleasing to read, 

of your husband's correspondence with you. I have had 



40 Letters. 

(juite a tronblpsome time this Kuniiner and with sickness 
and nursing have had both hands and heart full. 

Let me thank you very warmly for your great kindness 
in sending; me the copy. 1 feel <2:reatly complimented and 
althoui>:h tard\' in acknowledgin*!; it do appreciate it more 
than I can express. Besides the pleasure I feel in reading 
the records of a pure and useful life, it is refreshing in this 
Mge of careless selfishness to find one who although hear- 
ing the burden as well as the honors of a public life, could 
turn aside with such loving devotion and lay them all, as 
it were, at the feet of his wife and children. Your lot has 
been a happy one, though separated from so much loving 
companionship, to have enjo3'ed it so man\ years, and to 
be able to look back with so much pride to the unswerv- 
ing honor and honesty of purpose that was so marked in 
the entire life of your devoted husband. Truly he has left 
a noble heritage to his family, and it is with justice they 
are so proud of him. I hope my dear young friend, Perry 
Heattie, will be just as good, and that his name will reflect 
the talent and honesty of him from whom it has descend- 
ed. With many loving thanks believe me 

Very truly yours, R. Neeson. 



Wake Forest College, Wake Forest, N. C, 

September 10th, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry— I have been so busy since our ar- 
rival that I have, only to-day, opened your valuable gift, 
"Letters of Gov. Benj. Franklin Perry to his Wife. First 
Series." 

I congratulate through you my childhood's friend, 
•'Hext," upon preserving in such beautiful style these 
l)rized letters of his father. As far as I have read thej' are 
charming indeed, and I will take peculiar pleasure in their 
j)erusal. I always think of Gov. Perry as he was at the 
time of Fanny's and my marriage, in the glory of his ma- 
ture manhood, courtly in his bearing toward all— but 
kind, oh so kind, in his intercourse with the young and in- 
experienced. His memory is indeed a precious legacy to 



Letters. 41 

his children. Ma^' they ever be stimulated by it to high 
deeds and noble actions. 

We arrived safely in this our new home, l:)ut will not be- 
gin house-keeping immediately. I go this week to pay my 
mother quite a long visit. 

With tender love to my dear F'anny,! remain with high- 
est esteem, Your friend, 

Louise S. Lanneau. 



Greenville, S. C, Sept. 4th, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — I feel greatly your debtor after having 
enjoyed the beautiful books which portray your husband's 
life as a limpid stream. I delight to recognize and do hom- 
age to genuine merit. What grand qualities of head and 
heart are revealed in these volumes! What constancy and 
tenderness! Even at a distance his eyes were turned to- 
ward the beacon-light of home. 

I think I am most impressed by his simplicity — that rare 
virtue which is confined to great minds; for many people 
make an uncomfortable exhibition of themselves on stilts. 
It is "like to like" when he says, "1 love purity and sin- 
cerity, and will make those only my friends who possess 
these qualities." 

I think one of his finest paragraphs is on page 115 of 
the second series of Letters : 

^' My dear wife: Our happiness in this life is very much 
in our own hands. If we strive in the right way to be hap- 
py, we will be. We must exercise Christian philosophy and 
bear up with the ills of this life, look to the comforts we 
have, and not pine for those we cannot get. My rule 
through life has been to make the most of my situation 
and look on the bright side of the picture; never worry 
myself about that which cannot be altered or has passed 
b^'^ ; do my duty to the best of my ability and care little as 
to consequences, and I flatter myself that I have been 
blessed through life; blessed with prosperity, blessed with 
the comforts of life, and the good opinion of my acquaint- 
ances; blessed with a good wife and pretty children, to 



42 Letters. 

whom I look for all my future happiness, and to promote 
whose happiness I live and am happy." 

How sensible and sunshiny! What an atmosphere of 
peace and contentment must have surrounded such a 
man ! It seems that while you are thus occupied in pre- 
servin*; the sacred past, that you would feel the wall of 
partition almost annihilated. 

With respect and esteem, 

Mildred E. Nowell. 



146 N. Summer St., Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 1, 1890. 

Dear Madam— 1 am requested by the Hon. Mrs. James 
K. Polk to acknowledge the receipt from the Rev. Dr. Wm. 
H. Whitsitt, a few weeks ago, of two volumes, the first and 
second series, of "Letters of Gov. Benjamin Franklin 
Perry to his Wife." She would be glad to do so herself, 
and with her own pen to assure you of the pleasure your 
kind consideration has given her, and of the grateful ap- 
preciation with which these Aaluable books are received, 
but she is prevented by the feebleness of advanced age. 
She is eighty-seven years old, having lived seventeen years 
longer than the limit allotted in Scripture — three-score 
and ten. Bj' reason of the blessing of God, her age has 
become four-score and seven, and she is wonderfully vigor- 
ous in mind and body for one bearing the weight of so 
many seasons with their successive accumulations of in- 
firmity. She looks much younger and converses with her 
old-time brightness and vivacity. With her keen insight 
into character and circumstances, she still discerns the 
signs of the times, and understands them better than 
many younger than she, who being in active life have 
better opportunities for judging. But reading and writing 
require much effort, and are more of a burden than the 
entertainment and pleasure they were in former days. I 
gladly write at her bidding, and am happy to communi- 
cate to you her acknowledgments and thanks. In a situa- 
tion similar to yours, having a distinguished and honored 
husband gone before her to Heaven, whose illustrious 
memory envelopes her like a bright cloud, she is peculiarly 



Letters. 43 

fitted to appreciate your devotion in publishing these two 
volumes of deeplv interestinjf letters. 
Please accept renewed assurances of her thanks. 

Yerj truly yours. Mrs. Anson Nelson. 



Charleston, S. C, Oct. 8th, 1890. 

Dear Madam — The noble and highly deserving "Tribute" 
to "Benjamin Franklin Perry. ex-Governor of South Car- 
olina," was duly received and greatly appreciated. Please 
accept my sincere thanks for your kind remembrance of 
me. and for the compliment you have paid an entire 
stranger in assuming that the •■Tribute'' would be read 
with a warm appreciation and true cordial sympathy. 

It was my privilege to meet your lamented and honored 
husband but once, when we participated together in the 
commencement exercises of the Reidville Academy. I shall 
never forget how deeply impressed I was. while listening to 
his literary address, with the spirit of loyalty to truth, 
devotion to principle, and exalted patriotism, which per- 
vaded his strong and eloquent utterances, and the feeling 
of sadness, as I reflected that this noble man belonged to 
that brilliant constellation of heroes, statesmen and pa- 
triots that were rapidly fading from our Southern sky. 
Their places in the vacant firmament may never be filled 
with the same pure and steady light, but they may con- 
tinue to shine in the pages of history and biography, and 
you have, in the valuable memorials of your distinguished 
husband, done a lasting service to the State he so much 
loved even unto suffering and death, while you have grat- 
ified the loving impulses of your bereaved heart in rearing 
a monument to his memory, more beautiful than marble, 
and more imperishable than brass. 

I had just acknowledged the "Tribute'' received by mail, 
when the '' Reminiscences of Public Men, with Speeches and 
Addresses," and the "Biographical Sketches of Eminent 
American Statesmen," came by express, which place me 
under renewed obligations to you for your thoughtful 
kindness, and I beg: you to accept my grateful acknowl- 
edgments. I expect to derive great pleasure and profit 
from the perusal and study of the orations, lectures and 



44 Letters. 

addresses, &c., but more especially from the memorial of 
the great KtateHinan, the eloquent orator, the learned lec- 
turer, and the noble man hiinself. 1 shall also hiohly value 
the excellent and faithful likenesses of Gov. Perry. I shall 
feel honored in possessing; these three volumes, and that I 
have made a valuable acquisition to my library. I am 
with great respect and esteem, most truly yours, 

Gilbert R. Brackett. 



Charleston, S. C , Oct. 14th, 1890. 

My dear Madam — The two volumes of your husband's 
" Letters" was duly received. Please accept my sincere 
thanks for them. I have always regarded letters, which 
are the spontaneous utterances of the heart, with no 
thought of their being made public, as the truest expres- 
sion of character, and as a mirror of the inner life of your 
lamented husband, I shall greatly value these letters. One 
may be a great statesman, a great orator, a great scholar, 
without being great as a man, with a great heart throb- 
bing with human sympathy, rich in those domestic virtues 
that fill the home with sunshine and happiness, and create 
a genial and kindly atmosphere. So many of our great 
men, who command admiration and esteem in public life, 
are disagreeable and irritable in their homes, that it is 
refreshing to read the life of a great man who was good as 
he was great — a loving husband, a kind father, a sincere 
and affectionate friend. But perhaps justice would require 
me to say that your dear husband was more fortunate 
than most men in possessing a wife, whose warm, sympa- 
thetic heart did much to kindle and fan the flame of con- 
jugal love. No one can read the " Letters " without feeling 
how great has been your loss, how much has gone out of 
your home and your life, and without feeling a profound 
sympathy for you in your great bereavement. 

You need not fear of wearying me. I could bear an in- 
undation of such good books. My heart will always make 
room for the kindness, and my library for the volumes, 
which contain the "life-blood of master spirits," and which 
are throbbing with the heart-beats of human sympathy 
and brotherly love. But I must beg you not to deprive 



Letters. 45 

tuiy nieiiiber of your family, or any personal friend of 3'our 
lamented husband, of theye literary treasures to p:ratify a 
«t ranker, w lion you have been pleased to honor by pla- 
riiio' him on your list of "dear friends." I hope I may 
prove worthy of your friendship, and enjoy the pleasure of 
meetitifj:: you in your beautiful home, before we meet in the 
heaveidy abode ol our sainted dead. 

I shall avail myself of my first leisure moment to visit 
the Charleston Library and examine the volume of "Remi- 
niscences" to which you refer. As your supply of books is 
rapidly dimini«hinii-, I would be^ a little time to select the 
names of two persons who I shall be sure will appreciate 
them. 

Last Sabbath the whole Protestant Church was study- 
in*^ the Master's ideal of <!,reatness. " I am among you as 
one that s^rvetli,'' and He laid aside the glory of Heaven 
to serve those whom he* came to save. Surely you will 
not fiud it in your heart to complain that your noble hus- 
band copied this divine ideal, and sacrificed the "honors" 
of this world that he might truly serve his fellow-men, by 
promoting the cause of truth and righteousness; and 
preferred a cross to a crown — persecution, obloquy and 
suffering — to .serve his State and country. To such the 
Master "appoints a kingdom," and declares they shall 
"sit upon thrones." These kingly souls are entbroned m 
the hearts of men, and "rule us from their urns." They 
wear an immortal crown, i-eceive immortal honor, and 
wield an immortal power. May we have grace given us to 
iuiitate their example of Christian service, and share their 
eternal reward. With your permission, I will subscribe 
myself Your sincere friend, 

Gilbert R. Brackett. 

J'. S. — Please accept the accompanying sermon as a me- 
mento of this pleasant correspondence. G. R. B. 



Chamber of Commerce, Charleston, S. C, 

November 1st, 1890. 
My dear Madam — I feel honored by your kind considera- 
tion in sending me the volumes of Biography, Addresses 
and other Memorial of your distinguished husband. They 



46 L PATTERS'. 

are a vafuabre arJdrtioii to my librai-y and will serve fo 
keep alive the recolleetioiiH of a great man, and as a legacy 
to m\' Hons to mai-k the wi'ssdom and emulate the viitue& 
of their ennnenfr (-oniitrviuan. 

My deceased father had the hrgliest admfratmn for (iov.. 
}*ejry. They wei-e dowely asBoei'ated n& Union men dining: 
the Nullification troubles, and .since then while devoted to 
the true interests of the State they mntusilly i^ynipathizedi 
in an ardent love bor our comnvon country. 

Permit me, dear madam, to »tiy that ^South Carolina has 
never produced a purer statesman,, or more brave and vir- 
tuous a cftizen, tl)an your lionoi*ed hu!sl>aud. But few meiit 
j)osse83ed the eourjjigp he disi^ayed in rvsisting the polit- 
ical dogmas and iM)li('V oif onr unfortunate State, now 
ngain agitated to its very centre bj the struggle for office- 
of reckless demagogues — would h^ wei-e with us now, or 
fould rule these rlrsquiet spiriis from his urn. 

Please accept my sincere thanks for your valued present, 
mnd befeve nie with the highest regard, 

Very respectfully awd truly yours, 

Samvel Y. TrppKR. 



pARMrNGTON, S. C, Oct. 3d, 1890. 
fhiiT Miidain — The "Tribute" and "Reminiscences" of 
your illustrious husband, for which I am indebted to your 
esteemed consideration, reached me safely. His high cour- 
age, moral and intellectual str<^ogth, and the innii;nificeut 
j)h,vs}(jue which nature provided for them to abide in, com- 
bining, as they did, to make up a superb ty[je of manhood, 
have ever commanded my admiration; and everything- 
written b}^ or of him, that has come within my reach, has 
been read with intei-est. Your valued })resent, m book 
shape, of his own pi'oductions, some of which I have seen 
before, is s])ecially ])rized, not only for the valuable infor- 
mation so attractively given of others, but for the light of 
indubitable truth thi-own on the real character of the 
writer. A naturally strong individuality strengthened and 
developed, i)erha|>s, by the circumstances of his career, has 
impressed itself in a marked degree on his writings. Th^y 
are fragrant with the very essence of a sincere and honest 



Letters. 47 

life and between the lines, all unconsciously, i« opened to 
view a leaf of his real character which is beyond the reach 
•of portrayal by others. The preservation, in permanent 
foi-ni, of the productions of Ms own rpen is, of itself, a tri- 
bute to his memory than wkicli none can be more worthy 
•or honor it more: unless it be, my dear madam, the touch- 
ing devotion which inspired its accomplishment. 

Accept my thanks awd allow me to assure you of my 
•esteem aiad respect. Yours truly, 

John Bratton. 



Craft^s School, Charleston, S. C, Nov. 4, 1890. 

My dear Madam— Ferinit me to return my sincere thanks 
for the Sketches, Letters, etc., by your esteemed husband, 
received on Saturday last. I shall read them with th'C 
more pl<?asi2re, since they are the product of so inde- 
pendent and advanced a thinker. Governor Perry, like 
Mr. Petsgru and many other 1-evel-headed men of his day, 
had the couraj^e of his convictions, and no one, who has 
carefully studied his bold and far-reaching statesmanship, 
as emphasized, especially by the logic of events, can fail to 
admire the heroism, self-sacrifice and fortitude of the man. 

If our State had possessed more men like him, she never 
would have had the unenviable title of Prostrate fastened 
upon her. 

And, when it was all over, how like Micaiah, he must 
liave mourned when he witnessed the ruin of his country 
and his people! Micaiah warned in vain, be never told 
''smooth things." Oh I that the voice of our Micaiah had 
been heard in bis day. 

With a deep appreciation of the noble work you are do- 
ing in the way of tribute to your noble husband, believe 
me, Yours most truly, R. E. Seabrook, 



Columbia, S. C, 6th June, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry— I received yesterday by express the 

books containing the letters of your husband to yourself 

which I had asked Julius Heyward to get for me. I write 

to express my thanks to you. I had received previously 



48 r^HTTFJKR. 

tlie various volumes foiitainiiip: Gov. Perry^s works, and 
tlH\y have all given me great pleasure and valuable infor- 
mation. The volumes just sent are peculiarly interesting 
to me on account of the fretpient mention of my father 
(Albert Rhett) who died when I was a child of barely seven 
years of age. It was a lesson to me to see that the men 
of those days could differ so widely, and yet have the high- 
est regard for each other. My mother who died live or six 
years ago, very old, mentioned to me that when a girl she 
went with her father, Jolm Taylor, on his GoveriK^r's tour 
to Greenville, and there met your husband, who contrib- 
uted much to th»^ pleasure of her stay there; and that cer- 
tainly he was one of the most striking in apy)earance, 
handsomest and most agreeable men that she had met, 
and that she never had forgotten the pains he was at to 
give her the pleasant time she had. 

Shortly befon^ her death, she was looking over some old 
jewelry, and showed n)e a pin or locket containing some 
hair with the initials of your brother on it, and told me 
that my father told her that it contained your bj-other's 
hair that was given to him by your mother, in meuiory of 
his friendship with him at New Haven (Yale College.) I 
judge this was between fifty and sixty years ago. I think 
my father said be was with him during his last illness, per- 
haps came home with him from New Haven, So you see 
it is a pleasure for me to remind you that there is some 
hereditary tie between you and yours and me and mine. 
We have never met to my knowledge, but we can remem- 
ber it for all that. I do. I am trying in the general, indeed 
universal, ruin of our country to take care of my family. 
Your sons I know well, and the eldest was in the san»e reg- 
iment with nie during the war, "Hampton's Legion." 

Your long and intensely interesting letter came a few 
days ago. lam very grateful to you. You said you feared 
it was too long. Not long enough I think, if you could 
have said any more on the subject of my father. I have 
known and heard very little of his life before his,marriage 
to my mother. So you can see why I say " intensely inter- 
esting." I have copies of all your books, including the 
first and second series of "Reminiscences of Public Men," 
and have read them and find occasion for frequent refer- 



Letters. 49 

ence to them. They are very valuable books for the pres- 
nt and the future, and I hope you will continue and 
publish the journal and more. A lo.st cause suffers by 
time, and such publications tend to make it suffer less. 1 
do not think, however, that they are necessary to vindi- 
cate your husband— he needs not that. Even in his life 
time the world, includino; his political opponents, as all of 
my people and mostof yours were, have long since weighed 
him and found him not wanting. I beg you will let me 
know when 3^ou come to Columbia, and I will call at once 
to see you, and bring with me all the descendants of your 
old friend, and that of your mother and brother, A.lbei't 
Rhett. And believe me now as ever, 

Very truly 3'our friend, John Taylor Rhett. 



Linden, Alabama, Jan. 9th, 1891. 

"Sly dear Madam — I received by mail " Remiiiisceiices, 
with Spee(;hes and Addresses," "Sketches,'* "Letters to his 
Wife," by Gov. Perry, and the "Memorial Tribute." I 
thank you for sending them, and I am greatly obliged to 
John Witherspoon DuBose for requesting you to do so. 

I owe you an apology for not sooner acknowledging the 
kindly gift. But when I tell you I have had a member of 
my family quite sick for more than a month and that on 
7th of Deeen)ber my office was blown away by a cyclone, 
1 am sure you will excuse me. 

I am a Carolinian myself by birth and education. I 
graduated at Columbia in 1857, and have Gov. Perry's 
name on my diploma,. He was one of the Trustees at that 
time. I knew Gov. Perry just as any college boy then 
knew the leading members of the Legislatui-e. I remember 
listening to his great speech on 11th December. 1850, and 
it gave me great pleasure to read it again after so many 
years. 

The "Sketches" are not only valuable contributions to 
history, but are delightful reading. To me they are full of 
names as familiar as household words from my childhood. 
My mother was a lineal descendant of "LandgraveSmith," 
and as the Highlanders claim to be cousins who live north 
of Scotland, so, I think, my mother claims every body in 



r)0 Lkttehs. 

tlie Lo\v-(.ountry of Ciiroliiia ns a consiii. My fatluM- was 
an iiitiniate friend and life-lon<i; correspondent of Warren 
Davi.s, whom Gov. Perry mentions so often. My father 
was somewliat of amnsician and nsed to sin<;' "Johnston's 
Wife of Louisiana," and tell n)e stories of his fi-iend "Wai-- 
T'en Davis." 

I received two days a<;() your kind letter, with what you 
call "some loose sheets," and to-day's mail broutiht me the 
"Second Sei'ies of Gov. Perry's l.t'ttei-s to his Wife," and 
the "Tribute to P>enjamin J'ranUlin Pei'i-y." Thank you 
.M«>;ain for remembering- me. Anion<>- the " louse sheets " I 
found a sketch of Jud<>;e Withers, with which I was <!,reatly 
]>lease(l. Jud<;e Withers and my uncle. Dr. John McCaa. 
niariied sisters. They lived in adjoining;- lots in Camden. 
I s})ent the summer vacation of my senior year in Camden, 
and leai-ned to know the Jud<2,e as well as any boy could 
know him. I staid a, large ])art of nj\' time in his office, 
and was in the habit of writing letters, law papei-s and po- 
litical articles for him. I admired him and still think he 
was a very great man. It gratified me to see so good 
a jndg(; of men as Gov. Peri-y had so high an opin- 
ion of the Judge, and I am glad that he has left such a 
charming sketch of him. Then, too, I was glad to read of 
Gov. Hammond. His son Hari-y was my room-mate at 
college, and a week or two at "Silver Bluff" will ever be a 
gi-een sjjot in my memory. Warren Davis was my father's 
friend, and I was delighted to read of him. I might go on, 
but feai- it would woi-ry your patience. 

Living in an out of the way town, with New York and 
the post office for our book-store, you will at once see that 
your kindly present was a God-send to an old Carolinian. 
While all are delightful reading, I must confess I think 
Gov. Perry's letters to you the most interesting. I doubt 
if any young lady ever received such letters, or any mar- 
ried woman can show a collection that will equal yours. I 
believe "they will be read one hundred years hence," not 
only by his descewhuits, but by all lovers of good English 
and good feelings. It will be a pity if the letters of Mrs. 
Perry to her husband are not published. 

In one of Gov. Peiry's letters to you he says: "Dr. La 
Dorde was going to marry a pretty young lady," and 



Letters. 51 

coinnieiits on tlin good luck of uidowprs. Now I had the 
good luck to inari-y a ir;V/on-, a Mrs. Young,-, whose first 
husband was Judge James A. Young, a brother of AIis. 
Coleman and Mr. Henry C. Y^oung-, the latter often men- 
tioned in Gov. Perry's letters, and the former you spent 
your first married \'ear with. 

^ In Gov. Perry's "Sketches" I read of Win. Smith. The 
Landgrave Thomas was my mother's grand father. I did 
not know one of Wm. Laughton Smith's children was liv- 
ing. Please give my kindest regards to my far-off cousin 
(Mrs. Thomas O. Lowndes.) I am, with much respect, 
Very truly yours, Eugene M. McCaa. 



Ch.\rleston, S. C, Oct. 28th, 1890. 
My dear F/ie/Jc/— Again you have put me under obliga- 
tions for the two series of letters, for which please accept 
our best thanks. I spent all day yesterday in looking 
over them, which I could uot have done and for which I 
could not well spare the time, had I not been much inter- 
ested. From the original which you sent me a year or two 
ago, I knew something of them, and had not to learn for 
the first time the pure affections and big warm heart of 
the lover, tlie husband and the father as exhibited in your 
collection. The devotion of the lover, the solicitude and 
tender thoughts about wife ami children enlist my sym])a- 
thies; and then there are so many references to persons 
and things of which Ikneu' something, that awaken a deep 
interest and cari-y me back to my early days, recalling 
many of the great men of the past generation upon whom 
I looked with respect and reverence, but whose names are 
now almost forgotten, and alas, it will not be long until I 
will go the same way. 

November 11th, 1890. 
* * * The express wagon has left me a handsonie 
copy of the "Sketches, &c.," for which please accept my 
best thanks. Some of the speeches I have read before, but 
the book will always be pleasant and profitable reading, 
and useful as a book of reference about some of our great 
men whose lives are almost forgotten. I need not tell you 
how much I appreciate it, nor repeat ^Yhat I have before 



52 Li:ttki{.s. 

said of the moral and iiitellt'ctual <;reatiiess of Gov. Perry. 
As to the ])hotogTaph of (iov. Perry, I have had it framed 
and ])laced most C(jnspicuously on the mantel of my 
study. 

1 don't know that I ever mentioned to you my first i-ecol- 
lection of seeinj^- Gov. Perry. It \v;is in my t'olle<2,e days, 
at an enteitainment <»iven by William (J. I'reston, in Col- 
umbia, and 1 now well remember his personal appearance 
on that occasion and lunv impressed 1 was with his per- 
son, his noble and di<;'nified beai'inji;. What changes since 
then, and what scenes have we witnessed. He has <^one at 
a ripe a<ie, full of years and full of honors. 

With all your losses and crosses, you have a melancholy 
pleasure in (iwelling- on the virtues of your revered hus- 
band and find much to instruct and improve you in his 
thou<j,hts, so many of which you have given to the world 
to do good to others, and to do good is what we have to 
live for. May God give us grace " to redeem the time." 
Xi^ry sincerely your friend, 

William H. Campbell. 



Charleston, S. C, Nov. 25th, 1890. 

iJeur M(iihirii — Jn acknowledging the receipt of the •' Me- 
morial" and the "Sketches of Eminent Men," by the late 
Governor P. F. Perry, 1 cannot refrain from adding a fee- 
ble line to the monument so richly endowed by others. I 
knew Governor Perry, and had the honor as a representa- 
tive from Chailestcjn to serve with him in the (leneral As- 
sembly of this State. The photograph adorning the 
Sketches bring vividly to my mind the splendid majestic 
form which seem to have been designed to receive that 
head upon the face of which appeared as if written by his 
^laker in legible characters the words, "Behold a firm and 
just man." There was here a granduer which calls to 
mind the Roman expression, " Viv pro ponti tenax." 

In these volumes, madam, you must feel the proud con- 
sciousness of having placed before Governor Perry's coun- 
trymen in a style unique and readable, a large part of the 
])olitical life of his native State— covering the period of 



Letters. 53 

yulUfica tion—( o-opev;} tionSecession — Disunion — Recon- 
struction and Reunion. 

Thankin<i; you, madam, for the favor conferred and the 
iiistnictioii derived from the perusnl of these volumes. I 
have the lionor of suhseribin;Li- uiyself, most respectfully, 
Your obedient serviint, B. J. Whalev. 



Blagiistoxe, Mass., June 3, 1890. 

^Jy (lenr Cousin — Upon receipt of books I sent i)ostal 
cards at once that you mit>ht know they had i-eached me 
safely. Tliou<i,h not as yet strong-, am slowly improving:; 
in health. I have waited paitly that 1 mij>ht feel better 
able to write and partly because I wanted to read the 
books befoie doin<»: so. I cannot tell yon how much I have 
enjoyed them ! and I do assui-e you they will be a, source of 
continued pleasure in the future. 

Do you remember tellino' me while you were in ^fassa- 
chusetts that, "Should I ever visit you in Soutli Carolina, 
you would read to me from your dear husband's letters?'' 
I felt in that ])romise you had conferred upon me a very 
<2,reat favor, even thou<;h I mi»i,ht never avail myself of it, 
knowin<2^ how sacredly a true and loving wife values all 
such treasures; and now, these letters Laving been pi-e- 
served in a titting and permanent form for those to whose 
hearts father and mother are both so dear, you most gen- 
erously ])i-eseut them to your many friends, that they may 
better understand and appreciate the truly ^' grnnd cliur- 
iicter^'' of one among those men "whose names are more 
enduring than any monument — the great writers, and the 
men of great achievement." Most heartily do I thank you 
for these letters, my dear friend and cousin. The "First 
Series" having been written during your engagement and 
early married life, you think they "might be thought too 
affectionate to give to the public." I do not quite under- 
stand whether you mean the general public, or your very 
large circle of friends; whichever it may be I can see noth- 
ing objectionable in them, on the contrary, only that 
which comes from a true and noble heart; a pure, exalted 
nature; a truly Christian character. 

Now, dear cousin, tell Fanny please, I was so glad to re- 



54 Li:TTEiis. 

ceive her letter, and hope to wiite to her before very lon^'. 
With much h)ve for yourself, Fanny and little Emilie, I am 
as ever, Sincerely and affectionately, 

Carrie S, rKuuY. 



LouiSK Home, Washington', I). C, June 21, 1890. 
Mv (Ivnr find very JdntJ Friend — I must beo- very earnest- 
ly, in this lettei- of thanks, that you will not at all measure 
my appreciation of kindness by the len<ith of time 1 have 
taken to acknowledge it. Miss Cai'oline Jones and others 
will bear testimony of my utter absori)tion and enjoyment 
of the " Letters." And truly I cannot express how p;lad I 
am to have been allowed to know — aTid in no other way 
could I have done, so thoi'ouo-hly — the inner life of such 
a .i;oo(l, noble, \mvi' man. The simplest details standin*!,- 
out so «;randly and stam])in<;- him so wonderfully ^ood ! 
Not a word evei- written but from a loving-, kindest of 
heai-ts, and nothiii<>- of that se]fisliness that often comes 
with greatness. I do value the book for many reasons as 
well as bein*;- so pleasantly thou<;ht of by home-State 
friends. This ftives me a feeling that I cannot describe — 
but very dear to me in this isolation. Long- may you 
enjoy, with your dear childi'en, these sad, I know, but 
sweet recollections of your noble husband. And with a 
heart full of thanks and love to Mrs. Beattie and children, 
believe me most cordially and friendly, yours, 

Eliza Calhoux, 



Cooper Limestone Institute, Spartanburo- Co., S, C, 

July 28th, 1890. 
Denr Mrs. Pern— The book you sent me reached me last 
Thursday'. I have already read a number of the letters, 
and have enjo^-ed them veiy much. Gov. Perry's promi- 
nence and your youth and attractions would nuike the 
(courtship, as seen through the letters, pleasing to any one. 
Wiiile his devotion and tenderness after marriage, show- 
that the bright hopes of the lover can be more than real- 
ized, and that conjugal bliss is a reality. Accept my 
thanks for the gift. Give my love to Mrs. Beattie. 

Your friend, Phckbe Fuller. 



Letters. 55 

I^iKMiNGHAM, Ala., Feb. ITtli, 1800. 

Mj denr Mi>\ Perry — I have only this day received the 
five pictures. 1 am truly obliged by your kindness. I am 
enthused with memories of childhood when my mother 
wore her hnir as your ])icture does, and when she and all 
the other ladies looked so modest and refined as does the 
picture of yourself. I said to my sister, as I opened the 
packa<i;e, ''Here is a lady, the [)roduct of South Carolina 
ci\ilization, nowhere else known in the wide world." It is, 
indeed, a stronji' face, a gentle and good and beautiful face. 
You ought not have sent it to n poet (?) unless you were 
})repared to accept the license of his word painting! Some 
day I will send you my own. INIeantime you will contem- 
plate me as a South Carolinia gentleman! They are not 
notably handsome, but they make graceful bows and do 
no little meannesses in manners gg ******* -:^ 
often do. My mother's name was Elizabeth Boykin With- 
erspoon. 

I received yesterday your short letter, and the day before 
the one I valued most because it was longer. 

You are greatly mistaken if you imagine there was a line 
or a word about public men or private affairs written by 
you which was in the remotest degree objectionable to me, 
or which in any manner whatever could excite my feelings. 
I showed 3^our letter to Mr. Burruss. and we talked it over 
before your last came and remarked upon the inestimably 
good work you are doing to throw light on histor3^ I 
enjo3'ed your letter and renmrks upon the men of your 
time and Gov. Peri-y's time for the very reason that I 
(30uld not have received the. ideas from an^^ other source. 
If you will tell me more of all the men you know, good, 
bad or indifferent, I shall be under additional obligations 
to you. In every thing you have written to me, you have 
conferred a lasting favor. 

Y'ou have a daily privilege which I expect no lady bereft 
of her husband in the whole State of South Carolina has — 
you may every day read the daily utterances of him re- 
corded in words of temperance and wisdom. As I told you 
before, I am acquainted with no character coming nearer 
to my ideal than Gov. Perry's. He was a model husband, 
a model father, a sincere })atriot and man, like the ancient 



no T.KTTKKH. 

test of iiuni, one tluit no stoiiii could turn from liis just 
resolves. Now it so liii|)|)<MM'(i tliat for ir.y f)\vii j>astiiu(' I 
have lately read to r()inj)are Homer's Illiad and the 
I'salms of David foi- a, test of poetry. I think David is 
far ahead — veiy far. If you will turn to the "Third day'' 
of Psalter of the Diayer I'.ook, the first Psalm there quoted 
is the XV. It is the most ('()mj)lete definition of a i>vntlf'- 
///,v/y ever written ! I have gathered an idea from (Jov. 
Deri-y's Ictteis to you which associates his name with that 
dclinition more completely than any man I ever knew. 

In the lii'st seiies of " Reminiscences of Public xMen," you 
wer(> so kind as to semi me, I struck a bonanza of histoii- 
cal facts in it most <iratefid as well as |)rofitable. 

1 hope your hard work correctiufi,- the errcjrs in the "Let- 
ters" is ovei', and con!L;ratulat(^ your romaikable enei-<i,y 
and zeal in pursuiuij,' it. You have surely "erected a mon- 
ument moi-e lastin<2,- than brass'' to your hi<>;h-minded 
husband, when you ^ive to j)osterity the thou<>,hts which 
expose his real charactei'. 

Please l(>t me have a letter whenevei* you can about any 
tiling' or any body. I am •••reatly interested in your plans 
to publish moi-e letters of a period in which I am blotter 
infoinied than the eailiei' ones, iiujsmuch as 1 have read 
more of men and «n'ents from IHoO on this way. 1 remain 
with <;i-eatest i(>sj)ect and esteem, sincei-ely your friend, 

John WrniKUspoo.N DrPosE. 



Sumter, S. C, Jan. 2Hth, 1891. 
My <h\ir Mrs. P(^rry — It was a, pleasant and <;ratifyin«!: 
surprise t(^ me when I o[)ened an exjjress ])acka<2,"e a few 
days since, to see that it contained memorials from a lov- 
inj;' wife and 8on of one whose life was an honor to his 
State and a ])roud heritaee to his children, besides a high 
example to the youth of his country, I shall read the vol- 
umes with interest and profit, I am sure, and you have 
laid us under oblieations in h«avin<>- thus ])res(»rved and 
published the utterances of one who did nothin<i' to be 
nshamed of, and left ns nothin<>- to regret except the fact 
that he has <;one away. I nevei- knew Gov. Pei-ry i)erson- 
ally exc(>pt as a very younj;- man knows one well advanced 



I j/iTins. 



rx 



in .ycnrs, l»ii't I 1. ii<»\\ of his clun-ficlci-, IiIh H(!rvic(;H, m.ihI Ii'ih 
nl t jiiiiiiM'iilK, jiikI li;i(| for liiin Ixdli rcHfXM^t nnd Jnlrnii'M- 
'i ion, wliicli liavc h( rcrip^l lMMi<!iJ nnl linvcccurif! »o know hint 
inoic inf iinnfcly Hirou^h your jujldicnf ionH, vvliicli I kjiav 
i\\\(\ vfit(\ ;i( fjiMM'f'H hoiiHo ill (jiMidcn. 

I nni very iimcli ohlin^cd lo.yrMj, niv «l»*ii,r rnndnin, for i-c- 
jiicnilK-rin;*' in«;in t lii.s \\n\\ nnd wliilo t linnkiii/j: yoii, nilow 
inc lo wisli for \-on (lie l»l«!HHin^' of (Jod now n,nd <'V<'rnioi<v 
I ;ini, niv dj'.-ir nujdjMii, vi'iy rr-HpccI fully and Tridy yonrH, 

.lulls KKIfHIIAVV. 



I>AI*. 'lUCf). Sk.MI.NAUV, 22.'» I'iAHT WuiAKlSUliHif., 

liOiHMVif.f.K, Kv., A 11^. 7, IHOO 
I/oiioK'fJ M.Klnm-A winli lo ncknovvird*::*! t li<! fn.vor lluil 
vou did nif in K<'ndin;i- 1lir-on(;li l«i'V. II«!nry I*'(;r^iiHon n 
<'()y)y of «'nfli of your voIihh«'H tlir'if linvc i)<'<'ri JHHiiod in 
^•onricclioii wiMi 1 fx; lif(; nrid H«'rvi<-<tH of yotjr nohlt; Iiwk- 
IkukJ. I h;jv<! r(!}i,(i t,h(;rri with >i, rnrHo <,hM,ri UHiial r|»'^rc«f of 
intcrt^Kt, (mmI liJi,Vf* n'ocivofJ iniicli pnjjoyrnf'rit find profi* 
i'rornlln-rn. I cornrnr'tid your h<'nn<iful d<!Vf>tion <o liiH 
incinory, and rcjoif;*' in t,li*^ [Hacttical f<!HijItH vvhicli i<. lian 
fH'odiHM'd. H<n'; nn- niatcrialH of hintory that will lx' mor*- 
and jnorf! apf)r<;(tiat('d a,M 1irri<; a,<lvariof!H. I( \h a, ha})(»v 
thoiijiht ihat [|}«M ]«•(] yf)U in HiiH wa,y to pn.'«<;rv(j < hem 
from df'Htr iif;tion. 

W'iih \('ui'\\<'i\ tliankn, y(){\vH v<;ry triily, 

William H. Wihthi'i'i . 
I*. S. — I ha v'<' fotvvard<'d 1 Ik- voliiinoH intcnd'-d foi- Mrn. 
lOx-l'rcHi'hiit I'olk, to^i^'llicr uilh a, IdfM- f)f (;xplanaf ion 



1 11 W. Statk St., Tuknton, N. .1., April 1 I, \H'M). 

My (hmi l''i'n^iitl — \'onr hook of " Lf;f,t<,'rH " from dow. 
IV-rry to yoinw'jf, came; yoHtoiflay, and I api»rf;f;ia,t <j vory 
mncli t,h<! kindly (;<r)nHid<,'rn,tion whi«:h l<;d yon to favor m«5 
withflifin. I havo already r'-ad many of flM; l<;n<'rH wil h 
rani phmHinv. 

Antof»io/;^raphy hfj>< a Htrari^o infatunl ion for mf-, and all 
South<;rn [)«;r)p]<; muHt tk>w valuo r-Hpocially i'.witry thin;.'- 
tfiat h<;l(»H to portray th<; dayH of " Auld Lang Syno." 



It will Ihm)(> easy iiiatter for our cliiltli't'ii, mfkI .stfll Icwv 
for our orand-cliildren, to appreciate the life led by our 
forefathers of aiiti-bellum dnys, and a.11 such letters as 
these, help to present in the n^ost natnra) and vivid way 
the social and political stntus of by-gone days. The let- 
tei-s and addresses on the i-econstruction peiiod in South 
Carolina are [>articulnrly interesting; for the light thi-owu 
upon the true condition of affairs in the South dni-ing that 
most trying time. As bearing on the same subject I have 
7*ecently read with much interest, "The Southern IMnnter," 
by Mrs. Smedes. 

We are pleasantly silunted in ournew home, and the peo- 
ple have shown MS the utmost cordiality and considern- 
tion in every way. Oor Easter offering was |l,()r)5. I. 
bad asked for f 1)00. We appreciate the unselfish interest 
shown in our l)ehalf here in Tr-tMiton. We have a j)leasant 
home and the work of the church is particularly encour- 
aging. 1 trust that your health continues good. May the 
years to come bring you much of joy and ]>eac(\ 
S-ineevely, and with kind regards, your friend, 

Oscar S. Bunting. 



Lee\s, S. C, September 20th, 1890. 

Dear Mnchiw — Permit me to acknowledge with gi-atitude 
the reception of a volume containing a sketch of ICx-Gov- 
H. F. Perry, your illustrions and lamented husband, whicb 
I should have acknowledged sooner, but circumstances 
would not admit. While I was not honored with a per- 
sonal acquaintance with Gov. Perry, I have l)een so im- 
pressed with his character, that I feel he should be revered 
1)3' every lover of genius and admirer of talent. Audit 
may l>e well said, when his manly form had passed from 
the scene of action, Carolina's brightest star had had its 
setting. 

A man unequalled in integrity, of deep forethought, not 
ruh'd by the voice of a people, but by his own well matured 
convictions. I have read with the greatest interest the 
many sketches from Gov. Perry's own hand, and though 
he be dead, his words of profound wisdom will have thnir 
lasting- impress. 



Letters. oD 

1 ani also in rvcfipt of a book sent by yoii containinjji' 
*' Letters,'' sliowino- the hi^h appreciation, admiration and 
Jove man has for woman. In perusing said booi^, with all 
of its chasteness, and looking back down the vista of time 
fond memories of the past cluster thick around me. 

Allow nie to thank 3'ou foryour remembrance in sending 
m'3 a book of ^'Letters," whose purity and beauty of Ian- 
jiuage could only be written and conceived by one whose 
heart is pure and undetiled. I will ever be grateful for 
your kindness. With profoundest respect, I remain. 

Your obedient servant, I). Paul Sojourner. 



Washington, D. C, April 10, 1890. 

Dear Mudciiit—A. few evenings ago Mrs. W. H. Perry 
gave me two volumes which you have had published o 
Essays, Speeches, &c., of your distinguished husband. I 
have not words to tell you how much delighted I hav<? 
been with them. Both from their subject and from my 
recollections of Maj. Perry. I knew Maj. Perry all my life, 
and knew him as well as a boy could know a man in the 
tnaturity of his powers. Several winters in Columbia I ate 
at the same table with Maj. Perry and Richard Yeadon of 
Charleston, and can now recall many of the bright sayings 
that used to pass between l>adon and his "Tall Amicu.s,'' 
as he used to call Maj. Perry. After a somewhat varied 
life, in many places with many persons, I am certain I 
have never heard anything in conversation to equal the 
ceaseless flow ol ]eu d esprit and repartee that was the 
daily table talk at a Columbia hotel. Please receive my 
thanks for the books, many of the incidents therein I re- 
member to have heard from my parents, but they, with all 
others who had an^^ personal knowledge of the matters, 
have passed away. And Maj. Perry alone has preserved 
them for future generations. Many of the things he tells 
are new to me and all would have been lost had it not been 
for the industry of Maj. Perry, prompted by his labor of 
love. All Carolina is deeply indebted to Maj. Perry for his 
work. 

You will notice I can only think of him as Maj. B. F. 
Perry. By that title, as far back as I can recollect, he was 



60 T^ICTTKR.*?. 

ii noted iiuiii in all Carolina, as a ])oliti(-ian, a Ia\rycr, aniJ 
a scholar, a gentleinim who never swerved from his honest 
eonviftiotiH, no n^atterwhat tlie oj>|)osition or indncenient 
nvifrht be. A nian who only needed the convictions of lii» 
»>wn conscfence to 0]>en)y advocate, or vijiorously op])ose, 
?H>\' measure, no matter what n)T^ht l)e the tide of ])nltli(r 
»>pinion or popular clan)or. And who was foituuate 
enoufrh to have seen the most of tliose opposin>:- him, con- 
verted to the wisdom of his views. A<>-ain thaukin*:- yoii 
foi" the book, believe nM', 

Most resDectfullv, MAVKirH A. Mooke. 



Wa»hin(jton, D. C, (>th AuDrToifs OPFirr-:. 

Jan. 21st, 1891. 

My (Icnr Mrs. Peny — .Mis. W. H. Perry ii>forms me that 
yon have never received n)y letter aeknow]ed*iin<i- the re- 
ception of the two vohmjes of IMaj. Perry's letters. 

Allow me to assure you that I am notin/y/ic'/ve.s. I wiote 
]mmediatel\ . 1 would not be so derelict in my duty as to 
fail in my acknowled«2;n>ent to a lady. But in this instance 
I was more es])ecially bound to acknowlcdjie the recei])t. 
For to me the books were a revelation. I had known 5Iaj. 
Perr\' as well as a com})arative boy could a man in the 
prime of his life. liut I knew him as a lawyer, a leiiishitor 
and a politician. I knew nothinj^of hit* home life. And I 
don't know of anythin<;- that has been so unex])ected to 
me, as to find that the n)an 1 knew as an astute and indus- 
trious lawyer, a watchful, cautious legislator, a fearless, 
j)ositive politician, should have such a home feelint;-, one 
never absent. 'Tis surprisin<>: to read in his letters to you 
of some act of legislation he is interested in, telling you of 
his doubts, hopes and feai-s — who is for and who against 
the bill — suddenly to interject directions to Jim about kill- 
ing the hoga. In the midst of a " Resume" of the chances 
of some judicial election, as to the probable fate of the va- 
rious candidates, to say without any introduction 'Mell 
Will I have bought him a knife." In a description of his 
trium])h in some act of legislation, while detailing the 
compliments he had received from his brother membeis,he 
says I have bought you a lamp, or some china. In specu- 



Letters. 61 

lating upon what time he will be able to reach home from 
his circuit he says, "if you pay your visit, start early." 
lu the hei^hth of his ^ratification at his election he tells 
you how to manage youi' reception and wine party as it 
will be least fatio-uing; to you. 

I am indebted to you for the books. All Carolina knew 
Maj. Perrj' as a public man — all knew him as a man who 
had passed his whole life advocatino; an unpopular doc- 
trine. All knew him as a man who, after destitution, 
wretchedness and woe had been brout>ht on our State, (in 
consequence of the neglect of liis admonitions,) fought and 
labored for its pi-otection and relief in a manner that can 
never be surpassed. All knew him as a public man — his 
public life is written in the histoi-y of his State. But none 
knew him in his hif^her and holier sphere — as a husband 
and father— till the publication of these lettei-s. 

I am, most resj)ectfully, Maurice A. Mooke. 



U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Au^^j. 29, 1889. 

My dear Mmhim — In officially acknowdedoing the receipt 
of the books you so kindly presented to our Library, I 
cannot resist the temptation to ask if B. F. Perry, who 
entered this Academy in October, 1857, and died in 1860, 
was a son of yours, or a relative. If so, my object is to 
bear testimony to his high character wdiile here. The wri- 
ter was a class-mate of his and a most intimate friend. 
The name carries me back to those pleasant old times, 
wdiich I can never forget. Had he lived no doubt we would 
have met in the South during the war. I hope you will 
excuse the liberty I have taken, resting assured it was 
prompted by an affectionate remembrance of an old class- 
mate. Most respectfully j^ours, 

Julian Murray Spencer. 

Note — Frank Perry died Jvily 3, 1S60, pronounced one of the handsomest 
young men ever seen. 



62 Letters. 

U. S. Naval Academy, 
Annapolis, Md., Sept. 11, 1889. 

My (lenr Mrs. Perry— \ receiv^ed your letter and I need 
not tell yoii how xevy nnicli pleasure it <»,ave me to find 
that my .surmise was correct, that you are the motlier of 
my old class-mate, Frank Pei-ry. The ph()to<iraph came 
last ni^ht. It is beautiful, and shows such taste in the up- 
pearance of the sacred spot where rest your loved ones. 
Since readin<2: the l)t)oks presented by you to our Library, 
I can well call to mind tin; whole course of 3'our noble, un- 
selfish husband, both at the bej^inninii,' of our war troubles 
and since. My fath(M' held almost the same views as your 
husband, was opposed to secession and supported Mr. 
Douglass in the campaiirn of 1860, but the cloud had been 
gathering so long, the storm had to come. The result fell 
oji the just and unjust. The beginning of the war found 
me here, on the eve of graduation. I had but one course 
to pui-sue, go with my people, for while IMaryland — my 
State — did not secede, her sympathies were all with the 
South. I resigned, went South, and was made a Lieuten- 
ant in the Confederate States Navy. Served at Drury's 
Bluff, on the James River, and for the last two j^ears of the 
war I was on the Mobile station, where I was at the gene- 
ral surrender, 10th May, 1865. Does it not seem strange 
I should have drifted back to my old aJina ni/iter-. Sud- 
denly the Assistant Librarian of this Academy died. I was 
recommended for the position by Capt. Wm. T. Sampson, 
U. S. N., tlie pi'esent Superintendent. 

Would you not like sometime to come and see this beau- 
tiful Academy? Anna])olis is quite an old place. I need 
uot assure you wlmt a great pleasure it would give me to 
wait on you in any way. 
********* **** 

I fear, my dear Mrs. Perry, your patience is exhausted, 
but 1 hope you will pardon me. When I get to recalling 
old times,! feel as if Icould not stop. While we can hardly 
cease longing for ourdepai-ted ones, yet in the case of your 
dear boy, 1 feel it was a blessing to him that he was taken. 
Hi« conduct while here was so noble, pure and gentle; he 
was more fitted to join the angels than any of us. 

If I havB omitted to mention anything 3'ou wish to 



• liETTEKS. 63 

know, please write me. You will ])lease excuse any iniper- 
fections in my letter. It is written at my desk, where I am 
constantly interrupted. I shall be very glad to ha ve the 
books yon s})eak of, if it will not trouble you too much. 

I esteem it a great pleasure you pay me in sending the 
photograph. I shall treasure it. My wife joins in kind re- 
gards. AVith many wishes for your happiness, allow me 
to sign myself as 

Very respectfully and sincerely yours, 

Julian Murray Spencer. 



504 North 32d St., West Philadelphia, 

May 14th, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry— The book of letters, written by 
your dear, good husband, was i-eceived on the 3rd inst. I 
hardly know which I api)reciate the most, your kind re- 
membrance or the book. The book is charming, surpass- 
ing eulogy, full of the i-ichest utterances of the heart, tak- 
ing one back to days of long, long ago. Governor Perry 
realized as few can, that when he married he laid the cop- 
ing-stone of his life. Having garnered up the richest trea- 
sures of his heart, he consecrated them to the idol of his 
affection, makin<»- the lives of two blend in beautiful har- 
mony', showing how grandly good married life is, when it 
rests on true affection and worthiness. Please accept my 
warmest thanks for so much delightful reading. Then the 
pictures are a treasure to me. The free circulation of the 
book would have a healthful influence by giving a higher 
and better tone to society, showing how the union of excel- 
lency makes happiness in all the realities of life. The 
]-eminiscences of the past must be very grateful to you. 
Now you have your children, after the same likeness, to 
give you joy and comfort. 

Words cannot express our sorrow in not having our 
dear, good Doctor Perry at our right hand; we do not 
like to think of him as one so far, far away. But Hope, 
''the anchor of life,'' bears us up. We know that rest, a 
long, long rest, is his only safety. The blind poet has said, 
" They who wait, do serve." We all bear him in our earn. 



04 LlCTTERS, 

est remembrance to tlie kiiuj care and keepino- of our Hea- 
venly Father, who doeth all things well. 

Please accept our best wishes for yourself and your fam- 
ily. Yours gratefully, 

Amelia W. Andrews. 



46 Henderson St., Columijia, S. C, 25th April, 181)0. 

Dear Madam — It is needless to say how highly I appre- 
ciate your kindness in favorinii,- nie with a copy of your 
distinguished husband's correspondence. 

His remarkable character, independent, upright, and 
public spirited, and the valuable services, which his unique 
position at the close of the war enat>led him to render his 
native State, must always secure him signal mention in 
even the briefest history of South Carolina. The.se Letters 
not only admirably reveal the man, but contain so much 
that is illustrative of the unwritten history of a critical 
period, that I feel sure you will be thanked by futui-e gen- 
erations of inquirers into the causes of our great civil 
struggle and its immediate results. 

Your own interest in the work of collecting and selecting 
these valuable memorials I can well understand and sym- 
pathize with. The daughters af John Wilson and of Syd- 
ney Smith, and the widow of Chevalier Bunsen were privi- 
leged to do this for their great dead; and it seems to me 
that in the hands of women such memorial tributes are 
more graceful, and can be made tenderer and truer, than 
when they are undertaken by men. We are a.t that stage 
in the history of our State, when all that sheds light upon 
our past is of value. To these personal sketches of Gov. 
Peiiy, for instance, the future historian will be deeply in- 
debted. 

I can consistently say nothing that could be construed 
into condemnation of those to whom your husband was 
opposed in hfs earlier career. But I can and do admire 
and respect his earnestness and sincerity, his independence 
and consistency, and his devotion to South Carolina, and 
I sympathize with the sense of bitterness which must often 
have come over him when he felt himself misconstrued and 
misunderstood, and can well understand what an intense 



Letters. 65 

gratification it must have been to him at last to know 
that full justice was done him bj^ the hearts and minds of 
his fellow citizens when the evil daj's of Reconstruction 
■came. He had lono- before forgiven the hasty utterances 
of those who in the heat of debate may have wounded his 
sensibilities; and I do not believe there were anv of his 
former antagonists who did not cordially esteem and 
Jionoi- him. 

With respectful wishes for your welfare and that of all 
3'our household, and with niany thanks for your kiiui *!,ift, 
and with hiirh re^-ard for your wifely devotion and the 
uiemory you fondly cherish, I am, dear madam, 

Very tiuly yours, Charles Wood\?ard Hftson, 



New Haven, Conn., April 7, 1890. 

My denr Mrs. Perry — Thanks for your interesting' vol- 
umes received by express on our return from a few weeks 
sojourning South — no farther than Washington. I have 
read the " Letters" with much interest, some of them car- 
rying me back to boyhood days. Your devotion to your 
husband's memory is simply beautiful— and he was worthy 
of it fill! The best and only monument one needs, is the 
heart that loves one best! 

Thanks for your wish for another photograph — you 
have the latest of \'our old friend. I shrink from another 
sitting. That likeness of yours in the book is lovely, and 
I recall you in it. My wife and daughter desire me joining 
their regards to mine, to say that we all will be delighted 
to see you under our roof-tree. 

I thank you specially for the "Brst series," which I have 
carefullj^ perused, and perhaps with more interest than the 
*' second series." Why? Because it brought me nearer to 
you, as I knew you at your mother's house in New Haven 
or under the roof-tree "on the green"! Ah! those "hal- 
cyon days of youth," when all was young! 

I don't look in the mirror as I used to ! — 

" The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed, 
Lets in the light thro' chinks which Time has made." 

But Time, tho' it may plant gray hairs in the head of 
youth, and cast deep furrows on his brow, does not reach 



()(S LErncRS". 

tlie lieait— //y.vf is the last to stand affected. DeatFi hei^i'iis 
at the ('xti'eniities — 

"■Kven in o-or ashes Tive the nciitet) fires," 

I was just thiiikin*:;— how sin<iulai- th.at about tlie time 
jou fell fii love with yoin- husband. I had s(>nu'thin<;- of the- 
xan)e kiixl oHove fallinji- wfth <'i nwn, and s-onje fifteen* 
years ni3' senior! He, too, is dead ! I send you hei-ewitlii 
some reinarksof ni-iue at Ins <2;'Ta\'e arvd ni'oiinineiit unvriU 
inii'. Perhaps they niay interest you — at all events they 
were, as the French say, '' (I:i crfur.'^ As 1 have no other 
f;o])V at hand I wfil aslv you to i«'h)iii tlu^ news]>a|w-T- elip- 
j)iiiii to iric — my ehildren nmy Mom<'tinie wfsh to read it. 

Tlie weather now wft'i ns rs delightful, and the old «lm.s 
hi their ".Irvhij;- ^-i-e^ni '"' i-<;('all the old hymn — 

'^ Soto fhe ](x\-s fnir Caiinan stood, 
While Jordan TolleeS between." 

Have you for<>ott(^n it? 

And keej), I ])i'ay yon, all I havf* alKJve wi-ftten (an oh? 
fellow's nonsense?) in the l)ook and volun>e of the brain — 
]ain hy, as ]>e()])Ie used to put ro.se leaves between the 
pa;i,es of a folio, album, or prayer book I 

If yo!i come North tin's iSmnmer we all will be f)ieai?ed to 
^v;lcome you to "Maple Cotta<ie" — but we <i;o to the 
mountains in July. In the meantime and at all times, I 
remain. Faithfully your old firend, 

Colin M. Ingeksoll. 



CoLrAiniA, S. C, ,)uw l(>th, 181)0. 

Mv (Ir;ir Mr,s. Pern — I regret very much that I have 
been comjK'lled to delay wiitinji- you my thanks and a[)- 
])reciation of your beautiful <2,ift and valued addition to 
our library. It has been owin<>: fir.st to my abaeneofroni 
Columbia, ami since my return a house full of <i,U(\sts. 

lielieve me, deal- uiadam, I am d(^e}>ly <j,ratilied at beinu; 
numbered among the favored ones. My adnn'ratit)n for 
tin* life and character of you!- distinguished iuisband has 
been a legacy received frou) my own and my husband's 
father, who enjoyed the ])rivileiL;e of a peisonal acquaint- 
ance and friendship with (lov. Perry, but the perusal of 
these letters receives me, as it were, into the family circle. 



Letteits. 157 

■and biHifis me within the charmed influence of his pure and 
ibeautiful domestic life. No souvenir more exquisite could 
3uive ma iked the fifty-second anniversary of your mar- 
ij-iage. With kind regards, I am 

Gratefully vours^ Julia Manning Eichaudson, 



Washington and Lee College, 

Lexington Va., April 22, 1890, 
Mr denr Mndciin—l have just received the handsome 
'Copies of the books "Letter's of Gov, B-enlainiR Franklin 
i'erry to his Wife,'' that you have been kind enough to 
present to this institution. It is a valuable and accept- 
able contribution to its Library, and I cordially thank 
you for it, on behalf of our Faculty, and for myself. I 
have read with jireat interest all the books you have been 
«o good as to send us, and wish we had many men like 
Gov. Pen-y. I will read the letters as soon as I can do so, 
and write to you about them. I should think they ought 
to be both profitable and interesting to our boys, al- 
though tliey do not have much time for reading outside of 
their courses of study — or at least they think they do not. 
Thanking you again for your kindness to us, I remain, 
with best wishes for youi' happiness, 

Faithfully your friend and servant, 

G. W. CusTis Lee, 
P. S. — I mail you herewith a copy of our Students' Mag- 
azine of last June, containing an address to the Alumni by 
Piof. Thoin. If you have alrea.dy seen it, ,you can give 
this copy to ojiy one who may care to have it. 

G. W, C, L. 



Supt's Office, Alabama Insane Hospital, 
P. Bryce, M. D., vSuperintendent, 
TusKALoosA, Ala., Feb. 14, 1891. 
My dear Mcida,m~-l hQ^ to acknowledge the receipt by 
express of four bound volumes and one pamphlet contain- 
ing the life, letters and addresses of your honored husband. 
I have not had an opportunity to do more than glance at 
the contents of these valuable books, but I have seen 



08 f.Ei'iM:RR. 

enough to know that I shall be most delightfully and prof- 
itably entertained by their careful perusal. 

I\Irs. Bryceaiid I are natives of South Carolina, and \v e 
take the deepest interest in all that concerns that peerless 
old State, and esi)ecial]y the lives and labors of her distin- 
guished sons, among whom there is none more honored 
than your lamented husband, Gov. B. F.Perry. I remem- 
ber seeing Governor Perry very often in the capitol at 
Columbia, and thoug'h 1 was a mere boy, f can still i-ecall 
the insj)in'ng effect which his splendid apj^earance aijd ora- 
tory protlueed upon m<^ 

I thank you, dear madnm, for the liandsome gift, and I 
^vish for you a long contiiumiice of the hap})y and useful 
life which has thus far attended you. With sincere esteem^ 
lam, Yours tiiily, P. Buyce. 



GiLREATH CONSTiaXTION Co., BiKJIIXGHAM, AlA., 

July 31st, 1890. 

Dpiir Mrs. Perry — I received the book that you sent me, 
niid would have acknowledged receipt sooner but it came 
to Biiniingham duiing my absence at Blount Springs, 
where I had gone for a week's rest. 

I have, as you know, always had a great admiration for 
(lov. Perry. I knew when I was a boy that he was a great 
man from hearing my father talk about him. This was in 
Southern Geoi-gia. Afterwards, my father moved back to 
Carolina, and I began to see hiu). I then realized the fact 
myself that he was really the great man that my father 
had i)icture(l him. Vardry McBee and ni^'sclf would often 
talk about him an hour at a time. You know how Yardr\' 
loved and admired his " uncl(> Perry," and what a great 
])l(nisure it was for him to talk about hiuK 

I have a magnificent picture of Gov. IVri-y which I now 
keej) hanging on the wall over n)y desk, in my office. 
Every one who sees it admii-es it, and speaks of what a 
great and grand looking face he has. He had undoubtedly 
the grandest looking face and countenance of any man 
that ever lived. I have never seen, in ])ei'son or the like- 
ness of any man, that had such a face. He was a man who 



Letteijs. 69 

would have attracted attention in any aysenibly in tlie 
world. 

Ao-ain thankino- joufor the book. an<l with kind regards 
to Ben and all your family, I atn 

Yours truly, Belton Gilreatii. 



Female College, Greenville, S. C, June 3d. 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — The books you Avere so kin.<] as to 
send, were handed me last Thursday. I appreciate highly 
the compliment paid both to our Society and inyself in the 
gift. 1 have already read portions of the books in the 
copies previously presented to our Library, especially the 
" Reminiscences " and '' Addresses." There can be but one 
opinion in regard to them. Their clear and vigorous style, 
the masterly sketches of character, together with the 
amount of infoi'mation contained therein, will ever i-ender 
them, to young and old, entertaining and instructive read- 
ing. As you have no doubt frequently been told, you are 
accomplishing a good work in thus preserving and placing 
within the reach of the coming generations of young men, 
examples of a true and noble manhood that is becoming 
too rare in our woi-ld. 

There is no better spur to ambition than the example of 
a noble life. Many an eminent man has testified that he 
first realized the grand possibilities of his own nature, by 
seeing what had been achieved by others. Thus, he that 
lives a truly worthy life, confers an inestimable benefit 
upon posterity; and he who preserves the record of such a 
life likewise greatly blesses his race. In both of these res- 
pects your noble husband has distinguished himself, and 
posterity will delight 40 honor his memory. 

When the pressure of work is less, I hope to read more 
fully the books you liave done me the honor to pi-esent, 
but further reading I know will only confirm and deepen 
the opinion I herein express. 

Very respectfully yours, Mary C. Judson. 



Sunny Side, Chester Co., S. C, June 10th, 1890. 
My clear F rienil—{V\esi8e pardon this familiarity, for as 
such I must be permitted to regard you in the future.) 



70 Letters. 

You hfive n<2:ain placed me under everlasting obli<2:ations 
and iind.yin<i- <i:ratitude to you for two volumes of "Letters 
of Gov. B. F. Perrv to hisVife." 

Could I command that perfect presence of mind, and 
clearness of intellect, amidst all the noise, bustle and 
clamor which so often attended your illustrious husband 
when he attenipted to wi-ite to his "Dear Wife," I might 
approach the task before me with more alacrity. Suffice it 
for me to say, that I shall only speak of (lov. B. F. Perry 
as he is set forth in the volumes above referred to. 

First. As an affianced lover, he was tender, true and 
faithful. Second. As a "Benedict," he was kind, generous 
and loving. Thirdly. As a man of a family, he was firm 
without severity, indulgent without being effeminate. 
Gov. Periy was a man that happily combined everything 
that goes to make the man. When you have found a man, 
you have not far to go to tind a gentleman. You cannot 
make a gold ring out of brass. You cannot change a Cal- 
ifoi-nia crystal to a diamond. You cannot make a gentle- 
man till you first find a man. A gentleman is a human 
being combining a woman's tenderness with a man's cou- 
rage. He is just a gentleman, no more, no less — a dia- 
mond polished that was first a diamond in the rough. 

Gov. Perry was a man that ha])pily reflected all that 
was good, great and wise. As a lawyer, statesman, orator, 
husband and father, he was what Judge Munro styled 
him, "The Grandest Man South Carolina ever produced ! " 

With many, yes, very many brigiit wishes for your fu- 
ture, I remain as ever your most humble servant, 

W. G. Austin. 

P. S. — You will please ])ardon carelessness in writing, as 
I am forced to write with my left hand, having lost my 
ri<rht hand in the war. W. G. A. 



302 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 21, 1891. 
My dear Madam — I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of the volumes which you were so good as to send 
me. Valuable in themselves as a splendid contribution to 
my Library, I \mze them greatly as a gift from yourself, 
and as a tribute to that great and honored statesman, 



Letters. 71 

Governor Benj. F. Perrj. His illustrious career shed a 
o'lory upon South Carolina. 

It so happened thatlformed an early acquaintance with 
Gov. Perry, having read law in the same office with him in 
Columbia for some months, soon after my o'rad nation at 
the South Carolina College. I never lost sight of him, but 
observed with interest and sympathyhm honorable course 
in public life to its close. 

I beg you to accept my thanks for your considerate at- 
tention to me in sending books which I so highly appre- 
ciate. I have already written to Col. John W. DuBose 
thanking him for his friendly suggestion to you in regard 
to the gift of the books which he knew I would prize. 
Believe me, dear madam, very sincerely yours, 

Henry VV. Hilliard. 



SUMMERVILLE, S. C, Oct. 4th, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry— I know that you will freely [)ardon 
my seeming neglect when I assure you that most of my 
spare time has been devoted to reading the "Reminis- 
cences" and "Sketches" of the volumes you kindly sent 
me. Your favors in that line come thick upon me. I prize 
them very much — the last not the least — though all are 
more than welcome. 

The Governor in his sketch of William Lowndes expresses 
much surprise at the fact, that so few biographies of our 
great men have been written. But I must confess that I 
greatly prefer full, short sketches of their lives and charac- 
teristics, to any biography, such as usually encumber the 
book shelvf^s. The more especially dol prefer the sketches 
when like those wi-itten by Gov. Perry, they give us the 
pith and marrow neatly and closely packed, like the kernel 
in the butter-nut. I greatly wonder how 'midst the edito- 
rial and professional cares of his busy life, he found time 
to write so much and so well. 

Very truly yours, B. C. Pressley. 



72 Letters. 

Columbia, S. C, May 8, 1890. 

Dcir Miulmno — IMense aeoppt ni^' many thanks for the 
conii»liiii('ii1 contViic^d by Hen(lin<2; the sev^eral volumes oon- 
tniniii*;- tlie letters, s}teeehes and addresses of your distiu- 
^uislKMl husband, also the "Sketches" of ])roi!iinent public 
men, esj)ecially those of our own State. I have read these 
volumes with much ])l('asure aiul instruction, ])aiti(?ularly 
the sj)eeches an(i addresses of Ex-Gov. Perry, who was evi- 
dently a man of lar<j:e readiui;- and literary attainments 
outside of his pi-ofession. lu hiui was combined in a re- 
markable de<>ree the more solid attainments of the jurist 
w ith the f2,Taces of the classical scholar, and n)ore than all 
the virtues of the patriot as exhibited in his stron<>; devo- 
tion to his country and his of)position to the Secession 
movement. His mind was always well balanced, and he 
never allowed blind passions to come iu to distui-b that 
balance, or obscui'e his jud,i2,'U!ent. He was fond of i'eadin<2; 
history and general literatuie by way of recreation to re- 
lieve his mind fi-om the severe sti-ain which his prof(>ssion 
necessarily en<2,endered. He had read the charai^ter and 
lives of distinguished men, with a .view to imitate their 
virtues; had familiarized himself with the laws and insti- 
tutions of the people of differ(Mit pericjds, not with a view 
simply to collate and compare different codes, but more 
with a view to analyze them — to ascertain the manners, 
habits, customs and necessities which oi'if2,inated or created 
th(Mu, and after this manner, like Montesc]uieu — to discern 
the genius and spirit of the law "cu esprit des tois" had 
searched the annals of the past — not with a view simply of 
studying the struggles and decay of political factions or 
parties, or the rise and fall of the different dynasties based 
on ancient ti'aditions, but more with a view of tracing the 
birth, ])rogress find development of free institutions — the 
various transitions incident to human society — more with 
a view of tracing the j)rogress of human reason and the 
arts and sciences across the chaos of revolutioiKs, and of 
ascertaining their developments, their errors and their 
losses. Yes, as tlie Pelican feeds its offspring from its own 
bosom, so history, replete with instruction, became for 
him a storehouse of knowledge and the aliment of truth 
and virtue. Ex-Gov. Perry was a inoclel man and a model 



Letters. 73 

for imitation, and as the productions of Atlieniati ar-t 
wliich emanated from the chisels of Phidias and Praxiteles 
and the pencil of Apelles made them models for the more 
modern and risin<i: artists of Home; so the virtues and at- 
tainments of this eminent jurist, scholar and statesman as 
reflected in his private character, writings and pul:)lic ser- 
vices, make him a modelfor the i-ising jurists of ourState, 
There was no duplicity about Ea'-Gov. Perry — no trick- 
tvcick — no trimming between parties — no "'poltrooiwrie'' — 
but loycil, open, bold, independent, and true to his convic- 
tions, he advocated principles which he honestly believed 
to be true and right, at all hazards and under circum- 
stances the most trying. 

Please accept, madame, the assurances of my highest 
eonsideration. J. G. Seabkook. 



Richmond, Va., May 2, 1890. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — It is with great appieciation of 
your kindness that I write you this to acknowledge the 
book Of "Gov. Perry's Letters to his Wife," which you 
so kindly sent to me. It came safely and I have read more 
than once in it. I notice that, among many other affec- 
tionate traits in liis character, he certainly had the great- 
est consideration for you, for his letters show that he laid 
before you all his actions and his plans. This must be a 
pleasure for you to think of now that he is gone, and in 
reading them over I think you would feel that they had 
just been written and had come to you for the first time. 

I must thank you, too, for your thoughtfulness and 
kindness in sending me an Easter card. And Emily must 
also share my thanks with you for the same pleasant re- 
minder of a friendship which I trust shall continue what it 
is- as long as life lasts. 

I was and still am glad Mr. Holly had such a si)lendid 
class for confirmation. May they stand by their solemn 
vows and know what they have done, is my hope and 
prayer. 

With my best wishes for you and yours, Mrs. Beattie, 
and all at Sans Souci, and again thanking you for j^our 
kindness, I am, Very truly yours, 

John y, Downman, 



74 Letters. 

New York, Oct. llth, 1890, 

My dear Cousin Lizzie — \Vliat must you think of iiij kp- 
n'ous iiHolect to ackn(>\vle(l<i,e your present sent me Inst 
June, It is no fault of mine — the books renehed me wheit 
we were suffering the ji:i'eatest affiiction on account of the 
loss of my dear mother and our youngest child. 1 say^ 
reached me; I should have said canveto the office and the 
book-ke('}HM-, knowing nvy troubles, placed them in the back 
<)f the safe and they remained there iititii yesterday, when 
I discovered them by accident. 

1 can assure you it was a great ti-efit to n)eto read these 
letteis, so well written^ so plain, frank and honest. Who 
that was born of noble principles could but admire the 
grand uiaii who wi-ote those loving, manly words to his 
sweet-heart, and then afterwards the It^ters as head of the 
family. 

Cousin, there is no one you have sent the letters to, who 
has appreciated them more — and who could Imve been 
more entertained from Ix^ginning to end. If you have any 
other series ))ubli8hed since the second, do send them to 
me. Jen»»ie (n.y wife) will wiiteyou for herself — she appre- 
ciates them as much as I did, she says more, and espe- 
cially the letters written from Columbia. 

Tell Fanny when she sends a package by express to al- 
ways notify the addressed by mail. 

With a gieat deal of love, I am very truly your cousin, 

Robert Hayne Martin. 



Aiken, S. C, April 16th, 1890. 
Dear Mrs. Perry — A copy of the "Letters of Gov. Benja- 
min Fraidclin Perry to his Wife, second series," together 
with your kind note, lie before me. You will please accept 
my thanks for your kindness, and permit me to assure you 
that I ap]>reciate the compliment paid me by sending me 
this valuable, interesting and instructive book. I am sure 
that, besides honoiing the memoiy of j'our illustrious 
husband, you are conferring a lasting benefit upon the 
young men of the State; because the young profit by the 
example of the old, and how can we profit by example if 
the acts and thoughts of the leaders of their day and gen- 



Letters. 



to 



eratlon are not preserved and within our reach. Your life- 
work now is as useful as it is touching:;; you aid the livinji,-, 
and you honor the dead. I am certain that 1 voice public 
o])inion when I express the hope that your life may be 
spared, and that you will continue the work 3'ou are now 
<-onductint);. 

I appreciate the kindness and courtesy shown to me 
while in Greenville, and reo:ret that my duties prevented 
my callino; upon you before I had to hurry over to Abbe- 
ville. 

With j^reat respect for yourself and daughter, I am 

Very truly yours, James Aldrich. 



Georgetown, S. C, April 19, 1890, 
Dear M&dawe — Just as I was on the point of discharg- 
inp; a lono:-nep:lected duty by thanking' 3'ou for the photo- 
graph and views of Sans Souci which you so kindly sent 
me through Mr. Dozier last January, I received through 
the mail a copy of the "Second Series — Letters from Gov. 
Perry," to yourself. The pressure of professional engage- 
ments has prevented me from giving it a careful examina- 
tion, but I have had time to read a few of the letters, and 
I beg to express to you my sincere gratitude for the plea- 
sure which they have given me. The book is a delightful 
r-eflex of the singularly candid, modest and generous na- 
ture of your lamented husband, and will do much to bring 
him and his memory nearer than ever to the hearts of 
hia countrymen. 

To have my last letter to you published in the company 
of such charming letters as these is an honor of which I 
sriall always feel unworthy. 

Permit me to again thank you for your courtesy, and 
believe me, dear madame, Yours very respectfully, 

Walter Hazard. 



Columbia, S. C, June 13th, 1890. 
My dear Madam— Upon my return from Richmond, Va., 
where I had been to take part in the unveiling of Gen. R. 
E. Lee's monument, I found myself under further obliga- 



7i> JjKTTFAlfi. 

ti(3iis to yon, for a cojn- of the first sorie.s of Governor IVr- 
I'v's li^ttcrs to his wife, mikI tlu; voluine has been read with 
niurli plea.siii-c, I assure you, njy (h>ar madam, by me. 

In p'.Musiiiii- it the thon<»lit rose in my mind tiiat our na- 
tnn>s, ho\vev(n- stei-n and intellectual, ai-e alike softened by 
the miiiii(- wand of tin; <2,()d whonj it lias pleased artists to 
));iiiit blind; this beautiful ]>art of us will, at least, live 
foicvcr. And in ncknowed^inj^' tlip honor eonfi^rivd upon 
nie by your thoughtful kindness in sendinj; me also a copy 
of the second series of this valuable book, I be<ij to say 
that the polite st vie and beautiful dicti(Ki of thes(; letters 
\\()idd be cieditable to Sir Walter R.ilci^h, and places their 
distin;;uished author amon;;- the kni<i,htly |)rinees of a 
eourrl.\' aj^-e. 

Witii much resj^ect, I i-emain, my deai- madam, 

II. S. Dkspohtpis. 



BiHMixuHAM, Ala., Nov. 20th, 1890. 

Mmhun — [ am ^i-eatly obliiicd for the honor and kind- 
ness you have done me, in sendin<>^ the volumes of 
''Sketches," of "Rennnisceuces,'' and of "Letters," by your 
late lamented husband, Govei-noi- Perry, and I shall read 
them with increasino,' delight. The "Tribute" canie with 
the volumes," and I am ha})j)y in knowin<2; that one who 
illusti-ated and exemplified the nobler qualities of man- 
hood, not nlone iii his oj-ent life-work, but, also, in his daily 
walk nnd conversation' should be ai)]n-eciafed by all who 
knew him ; and that he has already taken that exalted 
]>lace in the o})inion of living' men as one of the g'reat char- 
acter-builders of South Cai'olina. Those who have read the 
" Letters" assure m(\ that in them L will find the ripest 
fiuit of his o'enius — of his head and heai't! 

Mr. Belton Gili-eath had <>iven me the "Sketches" quite 
a year a^io, and I i-ead them with <!:reat ])leasure and in- 
struction. They led me to sourc)\s of knowledji'e never 
i-eached before, and I mi<iht ])roperly, as exaujples, refer to 
those of Col. Henj. Cleveland and Renjamin Roebuck. In 
all you have done to preserve his literary work, yo\x have 
labored abundantly for the «>ood of the American people, 
more particularly for the rising generation. 



Letters. 77 

It was mj good fortune to enjoy the acquaintance of 
your son, Hon. \Vm. Hayne Perry, during the term of the 
forty-ninth Congress, and formed a sincere respect and at- 
tachment for him. May I venture, in view of this, to ex- 
press the hope that many years of great happiness are in 
store for you to be filled up with the dehghts of precious 
memories; and that you may be continually cheered by 
the triumphs and good deeds of your worthy children. 

Believe me, madam, with sentiments of great respect, 
Your obedient servant, John M. Martin, 



Newberry, S. C, Aug. 20th, 1890. 

Dear Madam — Again I have been the reci[)ient of your 
kindness in sending me a copy of " Letters of Gov. Benj. 
Franklin Perry to his Wife." I assure you I ap]jreciate 
this, not only on acconnt of the kindly feelings which 
prompted tlie sending, but also on account of the book it- 
self, which presents to my mind a new and most charming- 
feature in the character of your husband, to-wit: in his 
pure, delicate, considerate, warm affection for and attach- 
ment to yourself and his children, which is so beautifully 
and tenderly manifested in said letters. NowoTideryou 
have shown so much devotion to and admiration for such 
a devoted husband, who could always find time, amid the 
trials, vexations and worry of a busy professional and po- 
litical life, to think of and commune with his family. The 
influence of woman, in the character of wife, and especially 
as a trusted, devoted companion, always has a powerful, 
mollifying, sustaining influence upon the character of the 
husband, as these letters of your devoted husband exhibit 
in an eminent degree in his wife and trusted companion. I 
say it not to flatter, but because, from these letters. 1 feel 
it to be true, that your devotion and sustaining influence 
had a great deal to do in enabling your husband amid the 
conflicts of political life to bear himself so firmly and no- 
bly, guided only by what he regarded the polar star of 
duty. 

Thanking you for this very kind remembrance of me, I 
remain, with great respect, 

Your obedient servant, Lambert J. Jones. 



78 T.KTTKRS. 

Washington, I). C, May 2()th, 1800. 

My (]enr Mrs. reiTV — Let me thank you for your kind- 
ness in sendinji," your two interesting volumes to me, an(i 
which I value <>rea.tly as tokens of your regard. I should 
have written you sooner, but I was confined to my room 
for ten days by a rather sharp attack of illness. This is 
the first day I have been able to leave my room, and I 
hope it is not too late for me to make my grateful acknowl- 
edgment of your remembrance of me. 

I see your son, Congressman Wm. H. Perry, evt-ry day, 
and I should like to see him the Governor of South Caro- 
lina. With my kindest regards and best wishes, I am, my 
dear nmdam, very respectfully and trulyyour friend. 

Wade Hampton. 



Bennettsville, S. C, June 25th, 1890. 

Dear Madam — It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the 
receipt by mail of the handsome "Tiibute to Benjamin 
Franklin Perry, Ex-Governor of South Carolina," and 
" Reminiscences, with Speeches and Addresses, by B. F. Per- 
ry, Ex-Governor of South Carolina,'' second series. 

For these valuable and highly aj)preciated volumes I re- 
turn to you my sincere thanks. In a previous communi- 
cation I end(iavored to express to you my admiration for 
your illustrious husband. But the more I read of his ad- 
dresses and writings, the more am I convinced of his great- 
ness of head and heart. He was indeed a man worthy of 
all the praise that has been given him, and of even higher 
tribute. In his death the State lost one of her greatest 
statesmen and truest citizens. To the present and future 
generation of Carolinians he will stand forth as ai bright 
example of the man of sterling integrity, the patriotic cit- 
izen and able, uncompromising statesman. 

I have also received the first and second series of Gov- 
ernor Perry's letters to his wife. In making this acknowl- 
edgment, I scarcely know how to express my thanks to 
you for copies of these valued publications. I certainly 
prize the books very highly, and after reading the series of 
letters with the greatest pleasure, I am free to say that I 
cherish a higher estimation of your distinguished husband 



Letters. 79 

than ever before, a.ltliouiik he stood in iny esteem as a 
truly great and noble man in his public eareer. 

These beautiful letters, however, leveal him in a new 
light, that of the fond, true and devoted husband and 
father, and you are also pictured to us the loving and no- 
ble wife of a noble husband. After reading these lettei-s 
we are not surprised at your devotion to his memory, and 
3^our praiseworthy efforts to perpetuate it. 

May Heaven bless you in your declining years, the 
worthy wife of a gi-f!at man. 

Most respectfully and truly, J. H. Hudson. 



RosELANDs, Edgefield Co., S. C, 

18th August, 1890. 

My dear Mnchini — Your gift to Mrs. Brooks and myself 
of "Gov. Perry's Letters to his Wife— first series," has 
reached us after an unacconnta.ble delay, and 1 hasten to 
make our grateful acknowledgment. As a token of remem- 
brance and friendship we prize the book most highly, and 
we value it for its intrinsic merit. Both old and young- 
can derive pleasure and profit from its perusal. The pri- 
vate and domestic virtues displayed in these letters serve 
to portray the inner life and character of the man, and 
together with his public record, round off and complete a 
character, indeed, ''without fear and without reproach." 
How grand for the State, and how proud shf> should be to 
point to hei' Calhoun and her Perry — her admired sons — as 
statesmen as pure as they were great. 

These letters present a picture of conjugal felicity and 
domestic happiness vei"y attractive, and realize the Poet's 
idea of "indulging the sacred fiame of well-placed love," 
and illustrate tlie chivalric and beautiful sentiment, "the 
bra\est are the tenderest, the loving are the daring." This 
handsome and durable record of the conjugal relations of 
his parents is an honor to the son who conceived the idea. 
It should be i-egarded a priceless legacy by your children 
and their posterity. 

With love from Mrs. Brooks to you and Mrs. Beattie, I 
am, dear madam, Most sincerely yours, 

J. Hampden Brooks. 



80 Letters. 

The Citadel, Charleston, S. C, Jan. 27, 1890, 

Mj dear Mrs. Perry— I beg- j'ou to accept my sincere 
thanks for the "Tribute" to your distiniz;uished husband, 
Ex-Governor Perry, and also for the Ileniiniscences, with 
Speeches and Addresses by him, which you so kindly sent 
me. I shall place them in my Library, and read and pre- 
serve them with great care. 

It is a privilege to be able frequently to review the char- 
acter and life of so noted and exalted a gentleman and 
statesman as was Governor Pei-ry. It can be truthfully 
said of but few men that " he was as firm as Cato, and as 
just as Aristides," but from what I have heard and known 
of the Governor, through the public ])ress and otherwise, 
he deserves the exquisite tribute in its fullest and most ex- 
pressive sense. I had the pleasure, during my short stay 
in Greenville last Summer, to visit Sanw Souci as the guest 
of your honored son, Congressman \Vm. H. Perry, to walk 
through the halls \\hich once resounded to his father's 
tread, to scan his ample Library, and to enjoy those love- 
ly views which added such inspiration to the high thought 
and purpose of the illustrious statesman and hero. 

While deeply regretting my failure to meet his faithful 
companion, help-meet and counsellor, I cherish the hope of 
realizing that privilege at some time in the future. 

I have the honor, my dear madam, to be your respect- 
ful and obedient servant, George D. Johnston. 



Pastor's Study, Greenville Baptist Church, S. C, 

February 7tli, 1891. 
Dear Madam— I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of a copy of " Letters of Gov, Benj. F. Perry to his 
Wife," arranged and published by his son. Dr. Hext Mc- 
Call Perry, and a "Tribute," the contribution of your 
own hand. 

One of the greatest pleasures of my life has been derived 
from reading the biographies of men who had attained 
merited distinction for a liberal culture of both head and 
heart. I have experienced peculiar satisfaction from a pe- 
rusal of the grateful tributes published in memory of Gov. 



Letters, 81 

B. F. Perry, your devoted liusbarid and South Carolina's 
honored statesman. 

A patriot in every fibre of liis stronj]: nature, he 
was brave enough to stand alone in his eonvietions and 
to oppose, what seemed to him, the unwise counsels of his 
truest and most respected friends. His heroic spirit per- 
formed the highest act of magnanimity, when he submitted 
to the verdict of the majority and unmurmuringly bore 
with his fellow-citizens, the evils his own tongue had so 
eloquently predicted. 

Permit me, as one who feels an abiding interest in the 
welfare of our youth, to thaidc you for your untiring and 
loving efforts to put in enduringform the words and deeds 
of your husband. You have drawn aside the cui'tain and 
permitted us to look in upon the thoughts and feelings of 
a man, who was not only great in the councils of his coun- 
try, but the central light and magnet of his home. The 
study of such a character cannot fail to kindle in the 
reader aspirations for a truer, nobler and moi-e useful life. 
Very sincerely yours, J, A. Mundy. 



Cabinet of the Rhode Island Historical Society, 
Providence, R. L, May 16th, 1890. 

Dear Cousin — The beautiful book entitled, " Letters of 
my Father to my Mother, by Hext ^IcCall Perry, M. D.," 
with your note, has just reached me. This finely illus- 
trated work brings vividly before me a character which it 
is pleasant to contemplate. I spent last evening in looking 
through the two works (first and second series of letters) 
and shall often refer to them. The sentiments here put forth 
do credit to husband and wife, and indeed reflect honor on 
our family line. I am glad to know that a man of such 
elevated aims, purposes and character has lived and made 
his mark in life, and it is a like satisfaction to see that he 
has left members of his family capable of appreciating his 
moral worth. 

I am glad to see a good likeness of your son Hext. Mrs. 
Perry joins me in sentiments of affectionate regard. 

Truly yours, Amos Perry. 



82 Lkitkits-. 

Si'AFrrAXBrwG, S. C, ^\i^\■ lOtli, 1890. 

Dt'.ir Mrs. fWry — I i-weived your very kind letter and 
ralle(} on Mr. DiiPre, linndcd hfin yonr order and received 
a co]\v of tli(> I>io<i;rai>lii('al Sketches, for which I am ])io- 
foundly <>;inieful. 1 liave read the sketches of inany of 
Carolina's eminent .state.smen and admire the accuracy 
with which (governor Terry delineated their several chai-- 
acteis, whicli pr-oves that be bad studied mon as well at? 
the priacrples of our (ifovei-ntiient and lia\in^- formed oj)in- 
ioiis, (whilst always willing- to hear others,) he maintained 
]\\s Ii(/iif'Mf ronvh-tiryii, fM((} had the satisfaction of aeein^- 
)iis course vindic^itcd iwu] ;rfiprove(I by the State which he- 
loved BO well. lie ()|>j)()sed Secession against the pov,erful 
infiiienc-e which then Tilled the State. But when the /"r/f/i/ 
Htep was taken, (alth()u<z:h ai>'ainHt his honest convictions.) 
ho went with his State, //rp or die, sink or s'wiu}. He, like 
;t noblr Il(/iii:in, went with his State. The tnore I read of 
him the more I admire his hold and fearless character 
nhich h;5K ofven hfn> a National rpy)utation of which his 
family af)(l State may he justly pi-oud Nature desit>-ned 
him to Im^ a /c.'/^/c/'. He was fortunate in having; a noble 
wife, devoted to hvv husbarrd, ^-iviuii: him aid and con)fort 
under all circumstanct's. (Jreat credit is due to her for her 
untiiinu' devotion to her rtoble husband, and whilst I 
would recortunend the life and character of Governor Per- 
ry as a nxxlel for the youno- men of the country, I would 
recommend his nobble wife as woi'thy of imitation to the 
youn«i- women of the country. Ha vino- been so long and 
intimately acquainted with (lovernor Peri-y, I feel that I 
cannot say too much in his praise. 

I admii-ed him as a P;itrJot, a Stnfeien/mn and Friend. 
Hut his letters to his noble wife increases my admiration 
of my friend, and well n>ay it be said, such n husbfind with 
Huch n wite made what may truly l)e called a, happy home. 

Again thanking yon for your kind attention, I am yours* 
huly and respectfully, GABRIEL Cannon. 



CoNGAKEE, S. C, July 28th, 1890. 
Dear Mndnm— The two copies of the "Letters of Gov. 
Benj. Franklin Perry to his Wife," which you kindly sent 



Letters. b3 

me, liave "been received. Please ciceept fi-om nie for Mrs, 
Adams and myself onr thanks for the <iift, which we value 
lii^-hlv. The books are handsonjely bound, and is a suit- 
able habitation for the beautiful thoughts it -contains. 

Amid the political upheaval which is shakinj*; the State 
to its verycentre,it is difficult toconcentrate ourthoughts 
on literary matters— (would that your distinguished hus- 
band were alive, to guide the State with his wisdom and 
firmness through the peiils that encompass it.) But I 
have found a pleasant refuge for my thoughts from the 
political storms raging without, in the perusal of these 
letters. I like to know an eminent man at home, on his 
■farm, in the bosom of his family, and these letters show 
<jrov. Perry to have been a man so domestic in his taste, 
that he says in one of them, '*That he could spend every 
day and hour of his life at home without a wish or inclina- 
tion to go anywhere,'' Such a sentiment indicates a fond- 
tiess of domestic life, and a purity and simplicity of char- 
acter, always associated with true greatness. 

The attractions of Sans vSouci afforded Gov. Perry more 
real pleasure and happiness than the intellectual contests 
of the Forum or the political arena, though he had won 
some of their highest prizes with his superior abilities. 

Posterity will be greatly indebted to Dr. Perry and your- 
self for having the opportunity of knowing Gov. Perry in 
the beauty and simplicity of his private life a,s well as in 
the more conspicuous character of the statesman andju- 
riist. Very respectfully and sincerely yours, 

James P. Adams. 



AxNDERSON, S. C, July 10, 1890. 

Dear Madam— I am under renewed obligations to you 
for the valued volume containing letters of your husband 
to yourself, giving an insight into the domestic life of the 
great man heretofore unknown outside his own family. 

These, when interwoven into the great events of his 
eventful life adds increased lustre to his name. 

To those of us who knew him only as a statesman, pa- 
triot, lawyer and friend, it never occurred to us that so 



84 LlOTTKKS. 

many little tliinii'K wiiicli lielp to constitute the endear- 
ments of •'home," could take uj) so much of his time. 
A<>aiu tlKinkin<> you. and with kindest lefiards, I am 
Sincerely yours, Joseph N. Bkown. 



Anderson, S. C, Feb. 2d, 1891. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — I have 'jeen s|)endin»>- niy evenin<2:s this 
winter readino- to my wife and d a u«ihter the letters of (iov, 
I'ei'ry to his wife, and they have been <ireatly enjoyed by 
us all. My first im])ressions on receivin*!; the volume was 
that it embraced the small thinj2,s making- up part of a 
jj^reat man's life. But a careful reading- shows that like all 
his other works, it stamps greatness on ewi'vy pa^e. 

My wife and daufi'hter join me in returning thanks for 
your kind i'emend)rance in placing such a valuable work in 
our hands. With kind regards I am 

Sincerely your friend, Joseph N. Brown. 



Charlotte, N. C, July 5th, 1890. 

Ih'iir Miuhiiu—Xliev an absence of weeks 1 returned home 
a few days since, and had the honor to receive through 
your kindness "Letters of Governor l*erry to his Wife," 
"Sketches by Gov. Perry," and "Reminiscences, with 
Speeches and Addresses by Gov. Perry." For these valua- 
ble books please accept my sincei-e thanks. Through life I 
have been an admirer of the noble character of Governor 
Perry. Considered in all the relations of life, I regarded 
him as " the noblest Roman of them all." 

I will necessarily take very great interest in reading these 
books which time has not yet pernutted me to do. They 
will doubtless constitute a valuable contribution to the 
history and literature of the day. After a long absence 
the Governor's photograph brings back many pleasing- 
recollections, and yours recalls the features and the form 
of one who had not escaped my memory. 

I regret that I did not pay you and the Goveinor a visit 
before his death. 

Again thanking you, dear madam, for your valuable 
contribution to my taste and pleasure, I am, sincerely, 
Your friend, William Johnston. 



Letters. 85 

Laurens, S. C, July 26, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — 1 have read with ji,reat interest and, I 
trust, with profit, the biographical sketches and the ad- 
dresses contained in the volume recently sent me. I thank 
you for the pleasure and profit thus afforded me. 

Amon^ the sketches I found one of my ^rand father, 
Judo:e Wardlaw, which of course makes me peculiarly 
grateful for the o-ift. But apart from this personal inter- 
est in the book, I consider it most opportune just now 
when men's principles and opinions are so swayed by ev- 
<ery popular breeze that blows, to have brought to the 
public mind anything written by your noble husband — " a 
man of iron nerve, to true occasion true" — so imbued are 
all his writings with that lofty moral courage and that 
independent spirit which alone can make an individual or 
a country truly great. 

Yours very truly, Lewis VV. Simkins. 



Cheraw, S. C, July 10, 1890. 
Mrs. B. F. Perrr— Again am I the pleased and honored 
recipient of valuable books from you — "Reminiscences and 
Addresses and Sketches," by Gov. Perry, of South Caro- 
lina. Dear Madam, I cannot sufficiently express my 
thanks for the honor conferred on me, nor am I able to 
tell in words the esteem and admiration I have conceived 
for that true statesman and noble patriot, your devoted, 
husband. 

While a student at the South CaroHna College in 1852, I 
became acquainted with Gov. Perry, and ever regarded 
him as a most consistent man and excellent statesman. 
In fact regarded him as one of the brightest stars in our 
Southern galaxy. The more I read of his writings the 
higher soars my esteem for his exalted character. He 
truly was a great and good man ! His letters to you show 
the wonderful affection of a true husband and devoted 
father. They show more— they speak in living words of 
the grand and excellent woman who was his helpmeet and 
comfort, for his devotion and affection toward you never 
changed. South Carolina and the country owe you a debt 



80 Letters. 

of gratitude for your compilation and publicatiou of these 
valuable records. 
May our Heavenly Father bless and keep you always. 
Most truly, James H. I'ovve. 



Charleston, S. C, Oct. 27th, 1890. 

Dear Madam — I take the very first opportunity to re- 
turn my thanks for the very handsome volume entitled 
"Sketches by Governor Perry, of South Carolina," you 
have been kind enough to send me. 1 anticipate great 
pleasure and profit from its perusal. 

Few reading men in our country are unfamiliar with the 
name of Gov. Perry, and the need of our times is a citizen- 
ship of similar purity of life and unbending principle. 

Respectfully yours, VV. T. Thompson. 



FuRMAN University, Greenville, S. C, 

June 6th. 1890. 

My dear Madam — I am again laid under renewed obliga- 
tions to you for your generous gifts to the University Li- 
brary and to my own. I to-day received a bound volume 
of the "Reminiscences and Addresses," and another of the 
"Sketches" of Ex-Governor Perry, presented by you to 
the library of the University ; and have also to thank you 
for your kind remembrance of me personally, in presenting 
me a volume of the " Reminiscences" and two of the " Let- 
ters" for my private library. 

I scarcely know whether our country is under greater 
obligation to your distinguished husband, for his noble 
example of steadfast, disinterested patriotism, or to your- 
self in giving permanentjform to his writings, and in gener- 
ously placing them where they will be easily accessible to 
the present and to succeeding generations of the young 
men of our country. May you find your reward in the con- 
sciousness of having contributed somewhat to our coun- 
try's well-being. 

With sincere respect for yourself, and affectionate regard 
for my former pupil, Mrs. Beattie, I remain 

Yours very truly, Charles H. Judson. 



Letters. ST 

Ramsey's, Sumter Co., S. C, Auj;. 18th, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry— \. fortnight ago I received the "Letters 
of Gov. Benj. Franklin Perry to his Wife— First Series," 
for which you will please accept in}' thanks. I have read 
these letters and re-read then\ with interest. I almost felt 
as though I was reading an imaginary love storj^, only 
these letters were full of a more earnest affection than 
those which the heroes of novels write to their sweethearts. 
The first letter was itself a love story, and was full of a 
romantic sentiment. Until I read these letters I did not 
suspect that Governor Perry had as much romance in his 
nature as he did. 

The passage about great men who were born in the 
country (pages 33-4) is interesting, especially to a young 
man like myself, who was born and raised in the country. 
Governor Perry was another instance of what a country 
boy can become. 

Your love story, as revealed in these " Letters," is an in- 
teresting one and 1 may add that the "hero" and "he- 
roine" had just cause to love and admire each other. 

1 had the pleasure of meeting Perry Beattie in Columbia 
last May. Please remember me kindly to the different 
members of your family. Hoping that you are well, and 
with many thanks for your kindness, I remain 

Sincerely yours, McDonald Furman. 



Cheraw, S. C, June 4th, 1890. 
Dear Mrs. Perry — I thank you for the two handsome 
copies of "Letters of Gov. Perry to his Wife," which I have 
just received. I had already looked into them in the copies 
you so thoughtfully presented to our Lyceum, and was 
struck with the deep and untiring devotion to his loved 
ones which these heart-utterances revealed. A man so af- 
fectionate and so constant to his family could not be other 
than a patriot. And indeed this same constancy to his 
State wa-8 illustrated in his readiness to sacrifice his strong 
personal convictions to defend her fame and her principles. 
But great as was the love of your noble husband for his 
family and his State, it could not be more pronounced 



88 Letteks. 

than your own iiiiti'n'i)<r devotion to tlieprecioiis rnemoriHS 
he has left yoii. Love has woven a bright cha.plet for the 
brow of affection. 

The hope of a blessed reunion with your loved husband, 
in a happier elinie than this, nuist comfort and sustain 
you. Yary ti-uTy, 

W. Lowndes T. Prince. 



302 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 26, 1891. 
^JJ' den r Mnclnni—l mu¥.t a<iain thaid< you for your 
marked consideration in forwarding- to nie additional vol- 
umes which illustrate the career of your distinguished hus- 
band. I find, too, the unbound sheets full of interest. The 
sketches of Judge Withers and of Hon. J. H. Hammond, 
revive vividly memories of those two gentlemen. Younger 
by &on)e years than either of them, 1 was in college with 
them, and though they were in an advanced class. I en- 
joyed a close friendship with them. I have now in my 
po.ssession letters from both of them. My friendshi]) with 
Gov. Hammond continued to the day of his death. 

Independently of the great public services rendered by 
Gov. Perry to the State, he has contributed to her history 
incalculable advantage by his illustrations of the lives of 
some of the most distinguished of her sons. South Caro- 
lina., like the mother of the Gracchi, will point to these as 
her noblest jewels. Gov. Perry was not only an eminent 
man; he wn'^ a great one, and his fame lests on a solid 
basis. 1 do not wonder that you prize his memory. 

I again beg you to accept my thanks, and to believe me, 
dear madam, Very respectfully and sincerely youi-s, 

Henry W. Hilliard. 



Charleston, S. C, Feb. 28th, 1891. 
My clear Mrs. Perry — It gives me great pleasure again to 
testify of my profound admiration for Gov. Perry and of 
his great worth to our day and generation. I remember 
as a bo3^ my reveience, rather revei'ential awe, of Gov. 
Perry, as he was so calm and dignified in manner, and yet 
afterwards I knew him as kind, genial and pleasant. If I 



Letters. 89 

were to siiif>-le out one quality above all others which man- 
ifested itself ill his life, private and public, in all his speeches 
and letters, it is his reality. Gov. Perry was a. real man. 
Is not the real man the God-like man — the man born from 
above and sustained in the divine life? There was no di- 
vision between the outward and inward in him — what he 
thought he spoke; what he believed he lived. In his jiri- 
vate life — in sacred relations to wife and children — this 
reveals itself. More than all, very strange to us of this 
day, it manifested itself in his political life. He was a man 
of principle, of rock — to be found at any time and relied 
upon. I love to think of him standing alone in the Na- 
tional Deinocrjitic Convention, held in this City in May, 
1861, reviled and hissed, like some great rock standing- 
grand and immovable out of the sea, with the maddened 
waves hissing and beating against its base. It has been 
said by some one that Character is more valuable than 
Gifts. Gifts arp bestowed— character is formed. Governor 
Perry was blessed with rich gifts, but beneath these was 
character. He was a man of character. Oh ! for such men 
in this low day of materialism and expediency! Just now 
among our uncertainties, politicians and parties, which 
are becoming more bewildered, we need a strong heart, a 
clear mind, to speak, and in trumpet tones to declare right 
and duty. Where can such a man be found? Are they 
wanting now? No wonder Carlyle revered Knox; Crom- 
well, the strongman. Such are the "salt of the earth," 
"the light of the world." There was no wavering, no un- 
certainty, no talking about "the will and good of the 
people" with Gov. Perry— it was all principle; right with 
him. The man of principle is the simple man with oneness 
of aim and directness of purpose. It brings simplicity of 
life, of mind and of heart. The strong, simple man is the 
tender man. See Gov. Perry in his innermost heart — in his 
sacred private life as shown by his letters— how true and 
tender in all relations— as husband, father, friend and mas- 
ter. The noblest legacy that any man can leave to family 
and State is character — such Gov. Perry has bequeathed 
to his family and country, a benediction for all time. 

In my album I have a photograph of one of your dear 
boys, " Hayne," who seemed to me to inherit all the noble 



DO IvfJTT/JR!?. 

qualities of the (lovernor. At school he \ra.^ a universal 
favorite, atti'actin<^ and \vinnii»<2: the love of old and youtif*;. 
He was a remarkable Bpeaker, the be»t in our school at 
that time — full of ardor and sympathy. I can see him now 
Htandh)o- in the old scho(jl house with flushed cheeks and 
rtashin<i' eyes, declaiminjj Cataline's "defence." lie was a 
noble, gifted boy. Sonje might say his life was incomplete. 
I do not think so — the influence of a pure, sweet life lasts 
forever in the lives and characters of tiiose who had the 
privilege to associate with it. May be death at so young^ 
an age lent a charni; but "Hayne" has always been 
enshi'ined in the memories of luy brother and myself. 

With love, yours xery truly, John Gass. 

NoTK. — "Robert Hayne Perry" died November iS, 1872, at the early age 
of eighteen. 



Charleston, S. C, Feb. 24, 1891. 
Denr Mrs. Perry — I have to ask your pardon for not 
sooner fulfilling the promise nmde you at your daughter's 
house last August at the tinie you ju'esented me with the 
Letters, Addresses and Speeches of 3'our much lamented 
husband. You will believe me, I am sure, when I tell you 
that after reading the comments of the different papers 
and of so many of those great and public men that were 
well acquainted and who were Gov. Perry's associates in 
public; life, I felt my inability to make the effort of eulo- 
gizing a man of such worth. I need no greater evidence 
of his goodness and honor than those letters to his " Dear 
Lizzy" and his adorable wife. All through his writings, 
they bear this testimony. I had not the pleasure of an 
acquaintance with Gov. Perry, The first I saw of him was 
in the National Democratic Convention in Charleston, S. 
C, May, 18(>1, held in Agricultural Hall. A Northern 
friend, who was a Unionist, and myself entered the hall 
and took seats together. After hearing the hot war 
speeches of those fiery secessionists our hearts became sad- 
dened, and all hopes of the Union were vain. It was at 
this juncture that the Hon. B. F. Perry was called to ad- 
dress the people. As he progressed in his speech our hearts 
began to revive, and it really seemed that there was a cur- 



Letters. 91 

rent of feeling reviving for the Union. Then again all was 
great excitement, and amid this excitement I left the 
hall. But my heart went out for Hon. Benjamin Frank- 
lin Perry. I have often regretted that I never made 
his acquaintance, but have looked upon him from his 
writings as one of the olden time men, as Washington, 
Kent, Walworth, veterans of the highest honor and whose 
souls seemed to go out for their country and their coun- 
try's good. Had the settlement of this knotty subject 
(secession) been left with such good men, there would have 
been no secession, no war. All is now past, and these good 
men, too, are gone. The loss of your beloved husband to 
you was inestimable; he has left you a legacy of precious 
memories without a sorrowful recollection to mar your 
peace. It falls to the lot of but few wives and husbands to 
be so happily united as you were for so many years in 
happy companionship. 

Ah! Mrs. Perry, it is such unions that niakes the separa- 
tion so painful, and the sense of loneliness so desolate. 
There is one who has come and taken the measure of your 
grief and entered the dark solitude, filling it with his own 
blessed presence and with thelightof his own countenance. 

Accept my profound thanks for these most valuable 
books; they will afford me many hours and days of pleas- 
ant reading in my loneliness, and most kind remembrances 
of the giver. 

Please bear my kindest regards to your dear daughter, 
Mrs. Beattie, and believe me yours most truly, 

C. N. AVERILL. 



Charleston, S. C, Nov. 21, 1890. 
Dear Mac/am— Through the courtesy of my pastor, the 
Rev. G. R. Brackett, D.D., I return thanks for the compli- 
ment paid, by sending me copies of Sketches of American 
Statesmen, Letters of Gov. Perry, and Tributes to his' 
memory. His portrait and residence bring to memory's 
view his kind attentions to me when as a young man I vis- 
ited your city in 1857 and was the recipient of his hospi- 
tality. I shall always remember the kind notice of me in 
the Mountaineer and the pleasant evening spent at your 



92 Letters. 

beautiful home. But Gov. Perry was one who was alwavs 
willing- and ready to assist in what he thou<^ht was ripjht, 
whether it wns to promote the interest of a younj:? man on 
his openin<!; life of business, or the interest of State or City. 
I well remember when the flour trade of our City had in- 
creased and we were compelled to have an inspection law 
passed, I went to the Legislature in its interest. Our own 
delectation said the up-country would never consent to the 
passaj^e of the law, and told me I had better interest some 
one from that section. I at once laid the matter before 
the Governor, he f^ave it his hearty sanction and co-o])e- 
ration and said he would at once introduce the bill and 
have it passed. 

But why tire you with these instances of his kindness o 
heart, and willingness to help what was right. Again 
thanking you for your kindness in sending me the volumes 
which as I read will recall many pleasant recollections of 
him who I had the honor to call my friend. 

Yours respectfully and truly, J. N. Robson. 



WoF^FORD College, Spartanburg, S. C, 

April 17th, 1890. 
Dear Madam — I received this morning the beautiful vol- 
ume of "Letters — First Series," which you have so kindly 
sent to me. Accept m}' sincere and hearty thanks for your 
kindness in placing me in the number of those to whom 
this family memorial is sent. I have been interested al- 
ready in reading some of the letters incidentally mention- 
ing persons and events familiar to me. I can well imagine 
these letters showing the statesman in his home-life, will 
be treasures in your family. They must have to your chil- 
dren and their descendants for generations touching inter- 
est and peculiar value. May the fidelity and love so strik- 
ingly illustrated in these pages be abiding family traits 
through coming years. With many wishes for your health 
and welfare, I am very respectfully yours, 

James H. Carlisle. 



Letters. 93 

Chester, S. C, Sept. 27th, 1890. 
Dear Madam — I thank you for two volumes received 
two days ago of speeches, &c., of Governor Perry, and of 
letters and notices of him by friends and admirers. Many 
of them indulge in more words of high appreciation, and 
express themselves in more elegant English than I can, but 
none of them can exceed me in sincere admiration of his 
character. Nor can any exceed me in admiration of the 
loyalty and devotion of his surviving wife to his memory. 
You are building a monument in commemoration of his 
virtues that will be more enduring than marble, and the 
monument thus erected by you to him will equally embalm 
and perpetuate jointly with him your own name and wo- 
manly virtues to future generations. Worth}^ wife of a 
worthy husband, you were lovely in your lives, and in 
death you will not be divided. 

Yours truly, Giles J. Patterson. 



30 Broad St., Charleston, S. C, April 4, 1890. 

Mj dear Mrs. Perrj- Accept my thanks for your thought- 
ful kindness in sending the second series of the letters of 
your husband to yourself. I found the book at home upon 
my return from a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the 
South Carolina Universitj'^ which was quite protracted, 
and as fatigued as I was, felt revived and cheered at the 
opportunity you have given me of perusing something ad- 
ditional from South Carolina's gifted, distinguished and 
noble son. 

The several memorial volumes which you have kindly 
sent me are a most valued addition to my library, and I 
am charmed to witness the interest my children are taking 
in reading all of them, and asking information of me of 
what I know of my personal observation of the Governor, 

His name is now quite familiar to my family, and I feel 
that his virtues and great worth as a statesman and pa- 
triot, his constant exhibition of moral courage, his sound 
and conservative views upon all important questions, will 
be of incalculable benefit to the rising generation. Your 



94 LlO'l'TERS. 

loyalty to the memory of your distinguished husband is a 
loving work, and is of great service to the State. 

With my kindest wishes, and the earnest hope that your 
life may be prolonged, I am 

Yours very truly, George Lamb Buist. 



Charleston, S. C, May 26th, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry— I received 3'esterday the beautiful copy 
of Gov. Perry's letters to yourself. 1 am vei'y grateful to 
you for your continued consideration. I value these vol- 
umes greatly as the record of a man whose character was 
of the heroic mould, when heroism was required; and 
whose nature was genial and gentle, except when duty 
required it to be otherwise. Such men gave to South Car- 
olina the high and dignified position she used to occupy in 
the minds of men. 

Sincerely thanking you for your notice of me, I am most 
respectfully, B. H. Rutledge. 



Charleston, S. C, 6th June, 1890. 

Dear Madam — I have just now received the two volumes 
you sent me with your very kind letter of the 3d June. I 
am deeply indebted to you for these valuable additions to 
my little collection of books. I shall read them with the 
utmost interest, and I see already by a glance that the}' will 
affect very much my impressions of the period they cover. 

I have also received by express the two volumes of Gov. 
Perry's letters, which you have been kind enough to send 
me. I shall value them highly, and the more so because it 
has always been one of my hobbies to investigate the per- 
sonal and social history of South Carolina. You can 
easily see how welcome to me must be the contemporary 
impressions of a man of Gov. Perry's intellect and posi- 
tion, of the men, manners and opinions of his day. 

Gov. Perry's life covered the most interesting period of 
South Carolinian history, and I am old enough to have 
formed some slight idea of the impress made upon it by his 
personality. It will be exceedingly interesting to trace all 
of this in detail in his correspondence and reminiscences. 



Letters. 95 

The whole State owes you a debt for rescuing; for their 
benefits from oblivion these valuable contributions to its 
history. In addition to the general value to nie, I shall 
take a. great ])ersonal pleasure in noting; all the evidences 
of the friendship, which existed between my grand-father, 
Judg'e Huger, and himself. My mother joins in my thanks 
to you for your i-ecollection of us. 

Yours very truly, D. E. Huger Smith. 



Columbia, S. C, May 10, 1890. 

My dear Madam — I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of the volumes containing the letters of your hus- 
band to yourself. They show how excellent Gov. Peri-y 
was in the relations that test manhood. This revelation 
of your husband's inner life can but augment the high 
estimate placed upon his public career. It shows how he 
who was a high-minded and resolute man of State was 
also a devoted husband and father, tender and true. 

You have i*eai'Hd a monument to your husband's mem- 
ory of a character unique and excellent — each stone of 
which reflects some personal or public virtue of the man. 
In your labor of love you have my sympathies. 

Accept my acknowledgments for your gift and my ap- 
preciation of your friendly consideration. 

I have the honor to be yours truly and respectfully, 

John P. Thomas. 



University of South Carolina, 

Columbia, S. C, May 19th, 1890. 
Dear Mrs. Perry — I have just received "Letters of Gov. 
Benj. PVanklin Perry to his Wife—First Series." I earn- 
estly hope that my prompt acknowledgment of this favor 
will be accepted as some extenuation of former shortcom- 
ings in this respect. The "Second Series" was received 
some weeks ago, and my delay in acknowledging your 
kindness has certainly not been owing to any want of ap- 
preciation on my part. I have read these " Letters " with 
no ordinary pleasure, revealing their distinguished author 
in his private or domestic character as husband and father 



96 Letters. 

divested of all trappings of State. I have had only a taste 
of the " First Series," as they have just been delivered into 
my hands, but I anticipate a rare treat in these beautiful 
and lifelike pictures of 

" Domestic happiness, the only bliss 
Of paradise which has survived the fall." 

From a note which you did me the favor to inclose,! am 
pleased to learn that you have written three hundred 
pages of Governor Perry's biography— a work which I 
took the liberty to suggest, and for which you are, in every 
respect, so well qualified. I shall await the appearance of 
this volume with the greatest interest, as the cap-stone in 
that literary monument which you have erected to your 
lamented husband. 

I am, dear madam, very respectfully yours, 

E. L. Patton. 



Supreme Court of South Carolina, 

Columbia, S. C, June 19th, 1890. 
My dear Madam — Please accept my thanks for '' Letters 
of Gov. Benj. Franklin Perry to his Wife,'' just received. 
The Speeches, Biographical Sketches and other writings of 
Gov. Perry, recently published by you, give a true index to 
his noble character as a public man and as a private citi- 
zen. And now these letters, opening the door as they do 
to his inner private and domestic life as nothing else could 
do, complete the picture. The whole presenting a charac- 
ter public, private and domestic, in beautiful harmon}', 
and worthy of all admiration. 

Very respectfully, W. D. Simpson. 



Parsonage, Greenville, S. C, Dec. 29th, 1890. 
Dear Madam — I thank you, heartily, for the much val- 
ued Christmas present— the four books sent me containing 
the writings and recollections of your dear husband, the 
distinguished Ex-Governor B. F. Perry. He was a noble, 
unassuming, devoted citizen, statesman and scholar, and 
ardent in his love for the True and the Good. His rever- 
ence for God and his esteem for integrity of character, 
claim my high admiration. 

Faithfully yours, J. A. Clifton. 



, Letters. 97 

4 Wragg Street, Charleston, iS. C, Oct. 27, 1890. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry will please accept my grateful acknowl- 
edgment of her attention in sending me -copies of the Tri- 
bute and Sketches. As memorials of one distinguished in 
the history of South Carolina as was Gov. Perry, they will 
occupy a valued place in my library. 

I beg also to acknowledge the receipt of the very inter- 
esting volume of Letters and to express my thanks for the 
gift. With high regards, I am 

Very respectfully, Robert Wilson, 



Greenville, S. C, Aug. 25, 1889. 

My dear Mrs. Perry — I w rite to thank you for the two 
very interesting books sent me by the servant a few days 
since. I would like to have called and thanked you in per- 
son, but have been prevented by business from doing so. 
I find the books very interesting i-eading, and regard them 
as containing very valuable information concerning the 
history of the State. 

For this reason they ought to be of value to every one, 
while to me they have an additional value in serving to 
remind me of my good, kind friend who has ''gone before" 
us, as well as of yourself. With renewed thanks for your 
kindness in thinking of me, I remain 

Very ti-uly yours, Julius H. Heyward. 



Charleston, S. C, Sept. 6th, 1890. 

Dear Mrs. Perry — I beg to acknowledge the receipt from 
you, at the instance of our mutual friend the Hon. Andrew 
W. Burnet, of the "Reminiscences of Public Men, with 
Speeches and Addresses," (second series), a,nd "Letters of 
Gov. Benj. Franklin Perry to his Wife." 

Permit me to assure you of the great pleasure which the 
receipt of these volumes affords me, and that I shall prize 
them as amongthe most valued books in my library. I be- 
long to the next generation to that of your distinguished 
husband, as he was a contemporary of ray father, Maj. 
Wm.Kincaid Davis, of Fairfield District; but I had the honor* 
of the acquaintance of Gov. Perry, and though differing 



^^S Letter. 

from hill) in political viewH, always respected hmi as^a pa- 
triot, a, fstate.sinan.aixl a hi<j!.h-toned honorable Christian? 
^iitleinan. I need not s>ay that I always felt flattere(J 
that he never ioiled to recognize me, and to speak cordially 
to me, whenever we met diirin«»: his visits to the City by the- 
Sea,thouj>h I was fro umrh yonnp,er than he, 

I have been especially interested rn the remfnisceivces of 
the public men, nearly every one of whom are now passed 
jfiway, wfflle my wife and danoht^^rs have been charmed 
with the love and devotion which breathe in every one of 
his letters to yon, and which exhibit his true nobility of 
character more clearly, if possible, than even the record of" 
his lon^ and useful public life could possfbly do. 

You will allow me also to say that the value of the booke 
is enhanced by their containiniz- your autograph of presen- 
tation. With assurances of the highest respect, I am 
Very gratefully and sincerely yours, 

Zimmerman Davis. 



Charleston, S. C, Sept. 5th, 1890. 

Dear Miidain — It is with {2;reat pleasure that I have to- 
acknowled<>;e the receipt (by exjn-ess) of the four book» 
that you have at the instance of 5fr. Andrew W. Burnet 
honored me by presentrn<j;-, concerniiifj the life and from the' 
pen of the late Governor. They will constitute a highly 
))riz^d addition to my library — both as to subject matter 
and the manner of their bestowal. 

As Gen. Hampton says in his introduction, "the speeches 
and wiitings of Gov. Perry (so ably compiled and edited 
by your good self) are most worth.y of being put in perma- 
nent form and should be in the bands of all of the young 
men of the State." 

Their perusal, already begun, will afford much gratifica- 
tion and instruction to my wife (a daughter of the Hon. 
R. Barnwell Rhett, formerly editor of the Charleston Mer- 
cury) and myself — to both of whom South Carolina's past 
•is \ev\ dear. Of such sons as your lamented and honored 
linsband the State has great reason to be proud. Purity, 
integrity, singleness of purpose, patriotism — such as dis- 



LlCTT'EltS. '99 

tlngulsTied the late Gov. V>. F. Perry aud his compeers- 
will, I ever prav, be in the future, as in the past, the prime 
characteristics of South Carolina's sta,tesmen. 

1 thank you for including' me amongst those deemed 
worthy to receive copies from your hands, and for your 
consideration in making m« one of the recipienis of these 
valuable books. With much respect I am, madam, as ah 
^vajs. Yours obediently, 

D, HuGER Bacot. 



Charleston, S. C, June 12th, 1890. 

Dear Madam — Mrs. Huger and myself have received 
"Copies of "Letters of Gov. Benj. Franklin Perry to his 
Wife," which you were kind enough to send us. We truly 
appreciate the compliment and beg to return our acknowh 
•edgments for the same. These volumes will be treasured 
as souvenirs of one of South Carolina's most distinguished 
sous. Judge Huger, who is so frequently mentioned in 
these letters, was the grand father of Mrs, Huger. I have 
long known that Judge Huger entertained the deepest res- 
pect and affectionate regards for Gov. Perry, 

With renewed thanks from Mrs. Huger and njyself for 
vour consideration, I am 

B,espectfully and truly yours, Wm. H, Huger, M. D, 



Charleston, S. C, 20th Feb., 1890. 

My dear Mrs, Perrj— Allow me to tender you my sincere 
thanks for the volume of Sketches by your late illustrious 
husband. Gov. Perry, and also for the volume of his Remi- 
niscences and Speeches. I think you have conferred a ben- 
efit upon the young men of the State, in having these pub- 
lished. I as a citizen of the State thank you for so doing. 
I shall preserve the copies sent me as mementoes of South 
Carohna's departed statesman and patriot. 

Please allow me to thank you for sending me the first 
and second series of the late Governor Perry's letters which 
you have published. They are interesting in themselves, 
very interesting, as they tell of men and scenes— also for 



wo LETTE'ffS'. 

views of tlie past. Tiro ji,lin)pses of home life and politfcal 
activity i" Soutli Carolina so many years a<?o; brinj^ viv- 
idly l>efore one that pai-t of our State's history. But they 
are also valuable as they pi-eserve in permanent form the- 
poncurrent history of interesting times in our State by so- 
observant and capable a critic as Gov. Perry, I often wish 
that more attention was j>aid by all of us to our past his- 
tory, as a means of e<}ocation to the youth of the country. 
It is done so much more in other States. I am g^lad you 
have made so vahiablea cant ributron towards this matter 
in our State. 

With the hijihest respect, I am yours truly, 

Augustine T. Smythe. 



Bishop's House, Davenport, Iowa, 

March 13th, 1891. 
Dear Madam — Permit me to thank you most heartily 
for the volumes you have kindly sent me of your honored 
husband's works. I shall prize them, not alone for their 
hitrinsic worth, but also as the fruits of the literary labor 
of one of my own name and family. 

Attain thanking you for your kind remembrance, believe 
me, dear madam, Very truly yours, 

WiLUAM Stevens Perry, 

Bishop of Iowa. 



RirHMOND, Va., March 10th, 1891. 

My dear MvH. Perry — I beg leave to thank you for the 
works of your honored husband. I have been much inter- 
ested in them, and am glad that this memorial of so noble 
representative of the Old South has been published. He 
was a wise man. It is easy enough to see the wisdom now, 
but his wisdom at the time in the midst of universal deli- 
reum is the impressive part. 

1 apf)reciate, as only few can, the devotion to a memory 
which has induced you to give the world a memorial of the 
life which in its full purity was known to you alone. The 
heart longs to have all men know what it knows of its be- 
loved. You have done the work well. These letters, ad- 



Letteus. 101 

dresses and sketches constitute not only a memorial of 
your husband ; they are at the sa.me time a valujible con- 
tribution to the literature of the South. One cannot fail 
to ol)tain from them a conception of a lofty life. I beg to 
thank you for having collated and given them to the 
world. I have personally received from them an impres- 
sion of a most vigorous and noble pers(jnality, and I con- 
gi-atulate you earnestly on the successful result of your 
labor of love. 

Pray accept my thanks for your kind words about my 
stories. I have tried to depict just the life which produced 
such men as your husband. If I have at all succeeded it 
is a sufficient reward. 

Yours very truly, and with great respect, 

Thos. Nelson Page. 



MoNiioE, Michigan, Feb. 28th, 1891. 

Dear Dr. Perrj— Your letter and "Tribute" reached me 
last night. lam delighted with both. To you for your 
kind remembrances and expressions of similarity of feel- 
ings—and to the "Tribute" for acquainting me that your 
noble and talented father once in a dialogue personated 
my favorite hero, " William Wallace." One the hero and 
martyr for his country — and the other, though once per- 
secuted and reviled — now "the pride of his State." 

In Wallace's life we are afforded an opportunity of seeing 
just how far the petty jealousies of some of the more highly 
born nobles of the day counteracted the able and success- 
ful efforts Wallace was making to free Scotland from Eng- 
land's injustice and tyranny. And it is here that the heroic 
Wallace shines out resplendent, as he had only at heart 
his country's freedom and his country's good. With that 
accomplished, he was willing to return to his beloved 
"Ellerslie" and spend his days in quietude and retirement. 
Just about as I would imagine your illustrious father 
would desire to do at beautiful "SansSouci." Scotland 
always was hard for foreigners to rule — and I think I am 
quite a striking example of a Scotchman. Were I an 
American I would feel as proud of my State and my home 
as you possibly can do. And no where that I have ever 



102 TiETTEHS. 

visited in this country do I look back to with more plea- 
sure than I do to my late visit to Greenville, and partic- 
ularly to the day we drove out to Sans Souci and enjoyed 
your hospitality there. To your brother, B. F. Perr^', also, 
I am indebted for great kindnesses, and hope you will con- 
vey my thanks to him and assure him they are not for- 
gotten. Most sincerely, 

John Davidson. 

Note. — Soubriquet, " Honest " John Davidson. 

Note. — In December, 1852, Dr. P. E. Griffin («<?«/ Superintendent of the 
Insane Asylum, Columbia, S. C.,) then a South Carolina College graduate> 
delivered his graduating speech on commencement day, in the form of a 
dialogue between "Sir William Wallace" and "Robert Bruce." He selected 
Gov. B. F. Perry, then a State Senator from Greenville, to personate "Sir 
William Wallace," the hero of the dialogue with Bruce. I am proud and 
grateful that Dr. Grifflu deemed my husband worthy to be compared to 
"Sir William Wallace," who was the noblest hero and purest patriot that 
ever walked this earth. These are the two Heroes and Patriots I adore 
above all others. 



Charleston, S. C, Sept. 22d, 1890. 

Dear Madam— Permit me to return thanks for your 
kindness in sending me the "Tribute" and "Memoirs" of 
your estimable husband, Hon. B. F. Perry. I had the 
honor of his acquaintance, having served in the Legisla- 
ture with him ; and I shall never forget the impression he 
made on me by his singularly upright and bold utterances 
on every subject he was called on to participate in debate 
during the session. If any man had the true "courage of 
his convictions," he was that man. He has left a rich 
legacy to the present and coming generations ; and your 
faithful love has preserved the precious treasures in the 
works published by you. 

I am indebted to you for the volume of " Sketches," by 
Ex-Gov. Perry. I shall read with pleasure and instruction 
this valuable work emanating from the pen of your highly 
esteemed and patriotic husband, whose name and fame 
will ever live in the hearts of all true Carolinians. 

I have received the book containing "Letters" of your 
liusband addressed and written in the early days of your 
youth. I have glanced over some of them with much in- 



Letters. 103 

terest, and as they refer to "ye olden days," when I, too, 
was young, I enjoyed the time spent in reading- them. I 
shall resume the pleasant task again at my leisure and fin- 
ish the perusal. I will mention the names of two of my 
friends whom I know would be delighted to receive the 
books— Rev. G. R. Brackett, pastor Second Presbyterian 
Church, and Frank F. Whilden, both of this city. 

Permit me to wish you many years of health and happi- 
ness, enjoying the love and esteem of all your friends. I 
am, dear madam. 

Very respectfully yours, John S. Riggs. 



{Extract from a letter of Col. Frank M. Reese.) 

Alabama Polytechnip Institute. Auburn, Ala., 

January 25th, 1890. 
My dear Mrs. Ferry — lam indebted to you, and thank 
you for your very interesting letter under date of 19th in- 
stant. Should the life of your husband be written by any 
one of his many admirers, I will be pleased to have a copy. 

I mention these reminiscences of the past, thinking per- 
haps though sad, would be of interest to you, as every 
thing connected with so distinguished a man as Governor 
Perry, would be of interest to his friends and admirers. 

In those days of political excitement and personal ani- 
mosities, there was no man more intensely a Union man 
than my father, the late Hon. David A. Reese. On this 
issue alluded to, he was elected to the Georgia Senate from 
Jasper County, Georgia, and he never abandoned his sen- 
timents in reference to a, disruption of the Government. 
He opposed the mode and manner of the Secessionists, and 
remarked in the streets of this village, which he was visit- 
ing when the bells rung at the news of the Secession of 
your State, "that they were tolling the death knell of 
slavery." You and I know how true was the prophecy. 
God grant it may be all for the best — but I see no solution 
to the difficulties that were entailed on us. The problem 
may work itself out in some manner that has not yet de- 
veloped itself. 

But I find I am writing you a letter longer than I in- 



1U4 IjKtteuh. 

tended; one, too, that may brinp; up painful memories— if 
8o, my dear madam, pardon me. 1 remember well in my 
early boyhood, that some of my relations and my father 
admired your brave husband — fearless in all that he 
thought was right, and that he had their sympathies 
when the political storm clouds of his early manhood were 
bursting over him in- such fury. He stood nnblanched 
amid the storm, nor did he waver at the electric shocks of 
political hate and persecution. 

Wishing you many days of health and pleasant memo- 
ries, Very sincereU' yours, 

Frank M. Reese. 

Note. — " A spirit yet unquelled and high, 

That dreams and seeks ascendancy." 



[This article was written March 24th, 1S87, in memory of "Governor 
Benjamin Franklin Perry," who died December 3rd, 1886, aged 81. I re- 
publish it in this book out of regard and respect for the author, the venera- 
ble Christian soldier, Kev. James C. Furman, who died March 3rd, 1891, 
four years after his friend, and at the same age, 81. I value this tribute to 
my husband above all price, and therefore preserve it with other testimo- 
nials to his noble character.] 

We' are indebted to the kindness of Mrs. B. F. Perry for 
a copy of an address delivered by Governor Perry some 
forty-three years ago at Erskine College. This reprint is 
an appropriate and beautiful tribute to the memory of a 
noble husband by one who in the closest and tenderest of 
human relationships, loved and admired him while living. 
Now that his form is no longer seen, and his voice no 
longer heard, wiiat more natural than the purpose revealed 
in words penned on the title page of the copy with which 
we have been favored: "Delivered forty-three years ago, 
and re-published by his wife that his words of wisdom may 
still benefit the rising generation." 

Governor Perry had a. taste for books. In the old man- 
sion which he formerly occupied in Greenville, and in the 
statelier structure at Sans Sonci, he had large apartments 
for the accommodation of his library. In the midst of an 
extensive and laborious legal practice, he found time to 
make himself familiar with these "monuments of wisdom." 
According to liacon's aphorism, " Reading maketh the full 



I/ETTEHS. 10a 

iiY-iari^ comversatloii, the ready man; and writing the exact 
man," he had ample opportunity for treasunnp; up a larf^e 
•store of information in regard to the great men who have 
figured in the arena of the world's history. Few cultivated 
men had a larger stock of facts and anecdotes respecting 
illustrious men, dead or living, wherewith to illustrate hia 
viewfl. Believing that " history is philosophy teaching by 
■example," he garnered up such material, and turned it to 
account in his addresses, written and spoken. 

In his address to the Literary Societies of Due West, he 
enforced his counsels by an ample use of historic illustra- 
tions. 

Those who personally knew the venerable ex-Governor 
know that with his aspect and port he might fittingly 
have occupied a seat in that conclave of venerable patri- 
cians at the sight of whom Brennus stopped awe-struck at 
the entrance of the Senate chamber. And his character 
agreed well with these outward indications. Its most 
prominent traits, as seen by the public eye, were invincible 
tirmness and fearlessness, an undisguised contempt for 
every thing base or mean, and a magnanimity which 
could see and acknowledge the merits of those to whom 
he stood opposed. A fine illustration of this last quality 
is furnished in this address. It is a fact in the history' of 
his State that he was opposed to the views ot Mr. Calhoun 
on a great political question of absorbing interest. In 
these circumstances had he been a small-minded man, he 
would not have alluded to him without some deprecating 
insinuation. But instead of that he mentions the great 
Senator in only the most honorable terms. Hear what he 
says of Mr. Calhoun: 

" Had he been born in England, instead of the United States, he would 
have graced the brightest period of her history. As an orator aud a parlia- 
mentary debater, he would have ranked with the Foxes and the Pitts. As 
a man of genius and a brilliant statesman, he would not have been surpassed 
by the proudest names which England can boast. In private life, he has 
always sustained a character pure and spotless. His career in Congress 
was a most brilliant one. He entered the House of Representatives a very 
young man, immediately preceding the dcclaratiou of war, and his devotion 
to business, united with his genius and ability, soon placed him at the head 
of that body, filled, as it was, with the greatest men the country afforded." 

These noble words, coming as they do from a political 



lOG Lettetis, 

antagonist, are alike honorable to the writer and to his 
subject. 

Our readern, wo are sure, will share with us the pleasure 
felt in reading the last words of this address, intended for 
the graduating class, and equally applicable to others in 
like circumstances. 

"^In conclusion, gentlemen, let nic impress on you, as you are nbout to 
leave this institution, to carry with you, and treasure up in perpetual remem- 
brance, those great principles of virtue, morality and religion which have 
been taught you by your learned president and professors. If you are 
disposed to regard your happiness and prosperity in this life, and your 
future welfare in a world to come, these are the lessons to which your minds 
will most often revert, and which will be the last to depart from your mem- 
ories. You have long been associated as companions and friends. Let me 
assure you that early friendships, like early lessons of piety and religion, 
are the most permanent. You are now going to separate, perhaps forever- 
In all human probability, ycrur destinies will be cast in dsfferest and distant 
countries. You may never meet again in this world — but let this be your 
bond of union and sympathy. At night when you have offered up your 
prayers to God, and in the morning when you have returned your thanks for 
your preservation during the past night, let your thoughts revert to your 
Alma Mater and her lessons of wisdom and religion, which was taught you 
all in common. Go, prosper, and be happy. My earnest and fervent prayers 
go with you." 

These are truly words of wisdom. 

James C. Furman. 



{F^om (he Savannah Daily Timet, Feb. 14, 1891,} 

MRS. PERRY'S GIFT. 

A DISTINGUISHED CAROLINIAN'S WORKS IN THE HISTORICAL. 

SOCIETY. 

The Georgia Historical Society has been presented, 
through Capt. John R. F. Tatnall, with a collection of val- 
uable books, the gift of Mrs. B. F. Perry, widow of the 
late distinguished Governor of South Carolina. 

The works contain the writings of Gov. Perry, who was 
a most versatile writer and interesting author. His exten- 
sive acquaintance with the distinguished men of his time 
make his " Reminiscences of Public Men " so graphic a pic- 
ture that after its perusal one almost feels that it was a 
personal acquaintance with whom he had met and parted. 

Gov. Perry was a friend and contemporary of the late 
Commodore Tatnall. It is an interesting coincidence that 



Letters. 107 

a« the years haA'e rolled by, the son of Oommodore Tat- 
Jiall, through the medium of the Georgia Historical Soci- 
tety, should present the dead author's works to the people 
of his own distinguished father''s native State. 

Sans Souci, Gov. Perry's homestead, still stands near 
Oreenville, S. C, and is occupied by his sons, the Hon. W, 
H. Perry, Dr. Hext M. Perry and B. F. Perry. The palatial 
residence, of which fine steel engravings have been sent to 
the library, stands on a peak of Paris Mountain. As far 
as the eye can reach, blue mountain ranges roll, and 
emerald valleys with their silvery rivulets stretch awaj* 
into the misty distance, enchanting the senses with wild 
beauty. 

Sans Souci contains the lai-gest and most valuable libra- 
ry in the State of South Carolina, and its rare works of art 
reveal better than words can express the character and 
refined taste of its founder. 

To every stranger who visits Greenville Sans Souci is an 
object of attraction, not only on account of its elegant 
structure and beautiful surroundings, but also because a 
great man has lived, labored and died there, leaving the 
heritage of a noble name to those who follow after him. 

Mrs. Mary E. Morrison. 



\^from the Charleston, {S, C.,) Sunday A/'ews, May i8, i8go.] 

Letters from Governor B. F. Perry to his Wife. 

We are indebted to the generous thoughtfulness of Mrs. 
Perry for a valuable addition to our library. We have be- 
fore us two volumes of letters. The first series, we learn 
from the preface, was printed for private circulation by 
Dr. Hext McCall Perry, now of Philadelphia, as a tribute 
to the memory of his father, and as a token of affection to 
his mother. These letters begin in 1836, before Gov. Perry 
was married, and are continued through the long period 
of a happy married life. Gov. Perry was a lawj^er, politi- 
cian and editor, and being called away from home from 
time to time by the exigencies of professional engagements, 
he wrote to his wife of whatever occupied his attention at 
the time, thus unconsciously, we may say, contributing to 
the history of the times. He was intelligent, observant 



and truthful. Ho had f;H-<»:e opportunities for seeftij:? jrncfl 
knowing what was jroinjij on in his day that was note- 
wortliy. Indeed, not infrequently be himself helped to 
make inaJ-^e history; and the unconscious testimony of 
such a witness is valuable to the historian of the future- 
when he shall collate rnaterial for a satisfactory history of 
our State, and shall be describing- the events of the middle 
tliird of the Nineteenth Century. 

We speak of these letters as unconscious testimony, for 
when a man writes to his affianced bride, or later on to his- 
wife, he does not write for the world at hir«>e. His audience 
is "fit thou<i'h few;'''' he never gives a thought to any one 
in the wirie worhi save to the beloved object whom be is. 
nddreasin«]^. It is rare, indeed, that a historian finds such a 
mass of desirable material ready made to his hand. First, 
because very few men see as much as Gov. Perry took in ; 
second, not one man in ten thousand, even of those who- 
have the opportunity of large observation, will take the 
trouble to put to paper, from day to day, what he sees 
and hears. And thirdly, Ix^eause we rarely find a lady at 
once devoted, intelligent and thoughtful, to elicit and ap- 
pi-eciate such missives, and also carefully to preserve, dur- 
ing the long years of an eventful life, all the letters that 
had been sent to her by her husband, whenever he had 
been called away fron> home. 

The second series of these letters is published by Mrs. 
Perry beiself. In a private letter she laments that many 
of tlie letters belonging to the series published are mis- 
laid, and holds out the hope that other letters of the thou- 
sand received will be published in continuation, from tiie 
last letter in second series, December 16th, 183G, some of 
them of more interest to the general reader; fifty of them 
written from Washington during the celebrated Gardiner 
trial in 1853, (Gov. Perry being employed to defend Gar- 
diner,) and in the last days of the administration of Pres- 
ident Fillmore, and the first days of President Pierce, and 
numerous letters from Columbia during the sitting of the 
Legislature when Secession was pending and resolutions 
passed to appropriate mone^" to arm the State and build 
a war steamer, and after the Ordinance of Secession was 
passed and during the war. 



Letters. 109 

We reiterate what we have said before, that Mrs. Perry 
in publishing these literary remains of her husband, not 
only rears a monument to liim more enduring than bronze 
or marble, but she at the same time exhibits her public 
spirit and patriotism, and makes a generous and invalua- 
ble contribution to the literature of her period. 

Mrs. Perry is very painstaking, and carefully reads over 
every copy of every book she sends out, and with her own 
hand corrects every error or misprint. This will explain, 
if explanation be necessary, wliy some of the friends may 
not yet have received their copies of these recent publica- 
tions. 

Gov. Perry covers, in these letters, the entire field of lit- 
erature and of life. " De omnibus rebus et quibusdam 
alii" miglit be written on the title page as the topic con- 
sidered within the volumes. Thus, for instance, he writes 
in 1837, to his ''dear Lizzy," his fiancee : All of our Presi- 
dents, without a single exception, were born in the coun- 
try. Alexander Hamilton was born in the West Indies, far 
removed from a city. Patrick Henry was emphatically a 
rustic by birth and education. Clay, Webster and Calhoun 
were born in the country. To these distinguished names I 
may also, with great propriety, add those of McDuffie, 
Hayne and Preston. 

Then he goes on to consider a number of distinguished 
names in British history and literature, and shows the 
much greater merit of being born in the country. We 
quote from the letter at random. And we cannot help 
wondering how many of the young men of our day, and 
of our up-country, (similarly situated to what Gov. Perry 
was,) write to their sweethearts in like strain. We pause 
for a reply. 

As a matter of fact, however, we may mention here that 
Mr. William C. Preston, alluded to above, was born in the 
city of Philadelphia, not in the country. He was the child 
of parents who resided in the country, and he was reared 
in the country ; and therefore, for the purpose of Gov. Per- 
ry's argument, he was a country boy, notwithstanding the 
accident of his place of birth. 

Mrs. Perry's letters are not given, but we can judge some- 
what of their contents by Gov. Perry's letters in reply. 



110 Lktteks. 

These indeed are the letters "we read about"— honest, sen- 
sible, and old-fashioned. Folks nowadays do not appear 
to have time for such scholarly amenities. At all events 
they lay this flattering unction to their souls, and excuse 
their intellectual sluggishness and physical indolence by a 
disingenuous euphemism. 

In many respects, certainly the men and the women that 
were before us merit our admiration, are worthy of all 
praise, and challenge our imitation. 

Dr. H. Baeh. 



\From the Linden (A/a.,) Reporter, December ^th, 1S90.] 

Benjamin F. Perry was born in South Carolina in 1805, 
and died in 1886. He was a member of the Nullification 
Convention of 1832, served in the Legfslature almost con- 
tinuously. In 1860 he was defeated for the Secession Con- 
vention. For the first time the people of Greenville reject- 
ed him, but afterwards saw their error and regretted it. 
and to make amends immediately elected him to the Leg- 
islature, without his leaving his office to electioneer. No 
other man (it was said) could have been elected on such 
honorable terms. He was re-elected as long as he would 
consent to serve. He was appointed Provisional Gov- 
ernor by President Johnson and di.schai-ged the duties of 
his office to the satisfaction both of the administration 
and of his own people. He was a grand figure in Southern 
politics, and as an earnest advocate of the Union stood 
almost alone in his State. With a cultivated mind, the 
pen of a ready writer, and the voice of an eloquent orator, 
he was ever the advocate of the Union and the opponent 
of the policy advocated by Rhett, Yancey, and the seces- 
sion school of politics. To stand up alone in South Caro- 
lina against wealth, social influence and political power 
required courage greater than to face a batter\'. This 
Perry did, and it is to the credit of his people that, al- 
though they did not agree with him in his Unionism, they 
recognized his talents and his honesty and kept him in the 
Legislature. Even when " he was his party to himself" he 
commanded the respect of his associates and his Union 
speeches were listened to and his moral worth recognized 



Letters. Ill 

by his opponents. Ao-ain and again Benjamin F. Perry 
was the only member of the South Carolina Legislature to 
vote "No." Still his opponents gave him places of honor. 
He was not a college man, but was for years one of the 
Trustees of the South Carolina College. He was always a 
member of the leading committees. At the Bar and in 
social life he was the associate and friend of Hampton, 
Preston, Rhett, Calhoun, Huger and Harper. There is but 
one explanation of this: B. F. Perry was a brave, honest 
gentleman, as decidedly a Southerner as Rhett, Yancey or 
Jeff. Davis, but he believed Southern rights and prosperity 
could only be maintained in the Union, and that secession 
was a political blunder and like all such blunders a politi- 
cal crime. When the State seceded he deplored the folly 
but was true to his people. The Confederacy received no 
wounds from the hands of the great Union man of South 
Carolina. It is remarkable that this Uuion man declared, 
if he had anticipated the miseries of reconstruction he 
would have urged the people of the South to die in the last 
ditch rather than surrender. 

Since the Governor's death his widow has published three 
volumes of his writings. Two are sketches and biograph- 
ical notices of eminent men, and speeches by Gov. Perry 
on various occasions. They are very readable books, and 
to Carolinians deeply interesting. From them one can 
learn more of the history of our people and of our great 
men than from half the so-called standard histories. Read 
what Perry says of Gov. John Rutledge, Col. Roebuck, 
Gen. Sumter and Col. Cleveland, and you will know some- 
thing about the character of the men of the Revolution. 
From his pictures of Washington, Jefferson, Marshall, 
Madison and Hamilton, you can get clear ideas of Ameri- 
can politics. The Union side of the Nullification Conven- 
tion is valuable history. We commend it to our readers. 
The other volumes of Gov. Perry's writings are letters 
to his wife. Two hundred out of the many hundreds he 
wrote, beginning in 1836 when she was Miss ''Lizzie Mc- 
Call," to 1847. It is hard to find in the English language 
anything to equal these letters. They are simply charm- 
ing, and one reads' and only regrets Mrs. Perry's are not 
published. No letters in English literature, unless it be 



112 Lf,ttkrs. 

those of (A)wpor, the poet, written vears ago and under 
different surroundings, can in our o])inion compare witli 
them. Mrs. Perry's tribute to her dead husband is nobler 
than any monument of marble. His good deeds are made 
immortal by the art preservative of all arts. 

The writer thanks Mrs. Perry for her kind remembrance. 
The books were an unexpected but welcome gift, and he 
regrets that this is not a large paper in which full justice 
might be done to the genius, the eloquence, the courage 
and the patriotism of one of the greatest men of the Nine- 
teenth Centurv. Eugene M. McCaa. 



[I republish this letter, because I value it most highly. It is from Rev 
Dr. H. Melville Jackson, who was our beloved Rector for one year, and is 
now Assistant Bishop of Alabama.] 

. -300 West Franklin Street, Richmond, Ya., 

December 13th, 1886. 
My dear Mrs. Perry — To-day for the first time I learn of 
the great bereavement which has fallen upon 3'ou. I can 
ineasui-e somewhat the force of the blow, as those who 
have suffered can ahvaj's appreciate the sufferings of oth- 
ers; the chord of pain once struck in any bosom will not 
fail to vibrate again at the touch of sympathy. Ah! my 
dear friend, I knew your husband but slighth' compared 
with the knowledge possessed by those who lived for years 
under the genial influence of his presence; but I yield to 
none in admiration of his s])lendid qualities, both as man 
and statesman. He came nearer to my ideal of a public 
man — a man of affairs — than any I have ever known. Mas- 
sive the powers of his intellect; stalwart the soul of him; 
grandly faithful — a very tower of truth. His was a char- 
acter the possession of which is an education to a commu- 
nity, a State, a country. In these times when a nascent 
degeneracy threatens to breed for us a pun^ people, it is 
something to have known such a, man and to hold in one's 
memory a figure of such noble i)roportion. You have for 
a time lost him ; but you have not lost the solacing com- 
fort which his greatness reflects. Surely of him the en- 
graver can carve with truth upon the stone which marks 
his final resting place: "The world is better that he lived." 



Letters. 118 

I know that in your loneliness there is a pleasure, sad 
but sweet, in musing on the memory of what he was, and 
the proud consolation is yours that he gave you a name 
which he never tarnished ; but which he splendored with 
the sunlit glories of nobility, fidelity and truth. 

Better consolations are yours, for the. earth-born can 
never equal the heavenly. May the peace of God be on 
you, and the consolations of the Gospel of His Son your 
strong support. I ask of Him who ruleth over all, to man- 
ifest Himself to you as the God of the widowed, and that 
He will make proof to 3'ou uf the everlasting truth of His 
promise: ''As thy day is so shall thy strength be." 

As for me, I can only tell you that my soul is stricken, 
and my sympathy goes out strongly from an unfeigned 
heart. Affectionately your friend, 

H. Melville Jackson. 



[I republish this letter because the author was one of the truest Christians 
who ever lived, and I am proud and thankful that my husband's character 
was so noble as to inspire Rev. James P. Boyce with so sincere a friendship, 
such love, esteem and admiration, and which was fully reciprocated by my 
husband.] 

Baptist Theological Seminary, 

Louisville, Ky., March 28th, 1887. 
My dear Mrs. Pe'-z-.r— Upon my return Saturday from a 
few days' absence I found the pamphlet you had sent me. 
I am very glad that you have reprinted this address of 
your distinguished husband, thus over forty years after 
its delivery at Erskine College. It is like old wine; it is 
better than new. Would that its words of wisdom may 
make a deep impress upon the minds of many now young, 
and of many yet unborn who, though not privileged to 
have known Governor Perry save by report, will yet par- 
take in this way of that wisdom which he so illustriously 
displayed among those who knew him personally. I esteem 
it one of my greatest privileges of life to have enjoyed his 
friendship and confidence. The purity of his character, the 
nobility and fearlessness of his nature, his firm mainte- 
nance of what he thought right and just and patriotic in 
the midst of contrary influences of the good and great, 



1 14 Letters'. 

and iu defiance of the detraction of tlie ba.se and mean, 
give a force that cannot be measured to all his words of 
morality and virtue. He was one of the very few who 
could handle the pitch of political life and not be defiled. 
I thank God for the example j^iven in him of one so pure 
and true a man. No one can tell what an influence it had 
upon his day and "eneration. I am glad that you will aid 
in perpetuating it through the reprint of this pamphlet. 
Yours truly, James P. Boyce. 

Note. — "Calm and serene, he sees approaching death 
As the safe port ; the peaceful, silent shore. 
Where he may rest, life's tedious voyage o'er," 




SKETCH OF GOV. BPJNJAMIN FRANKLIN PFRRY. 



WRITTEN BY CAPT. CHAKLES M. FUUMAN, GKEENVILLE, S. C. 



Benjamin F. Peury— 1805-1886. 

One of the most iuiposino' fi*i;ures in tlie histoi-y of his 
times, was Gov. B. F. Perrj. of South Cai-olina. He pos- 
sessed a ina<2,iiificent person, indomitable enei-o-y, the cour- 
ap;e of a lion, a vio-orons intellect and a deep and profound 
patiiotism. He early attained a commandino; position, 
which he held throu«j;hout a long and active life. Begin- 
ning the practice of law in Greenville, S.C, in 1827, he was 
soon accorded a. high place in his profession, ranking with 
the first lawyers of a State noted for the character and 
ability of its legal profession. His eloquence was first ex- 
hibited before the jui-ies of his country and for very many 
years his professional aid was eagerly sought by a large 
clientage. But his active mind sought other outlets and 
his bold and independent character led him into the fields 
of journalism and politics. In 1832 he becanie the editor 
of a newspaper— 7776 Mountaiueer— which, though pub- 
lished in a small country town (Greenville.) was the repre- 
sentative of the Union party in South Carolina, and was 
conducted with great ability. The excitement created by 
the nullification controversy did not cause him to swerve 
from the position which he had conscientiously taken — 
notwithstanding the fact that his course was bitterly con- 
demned by the great mass of his fellow citizens. 

Having distinguished himself by his earnest advocacy 
of the cause of the Union, he was put in nomination for 
Congress by his party and was defeated by a majority of 
only sixty votes out of seven thousand. In 183G he was 
elected to the Legislature, and continued to serve for over 
thirty years. From 1844 to 1848 he represented his 
County in the State Senate. He took an active part as a 
legislator, both as a member of important committees and 
upon the floor, where he was conspicuous as an able and 
eloquent advocate of measures of reform. 

In 1850 when the feeling in favor of secession had be- 



IIG Sketch. 

conio V(»rv <;>'iieral, (jov. IVrrv as a iiUMiiber of the LHj»is- 
latnre ()])|)()H(^d the calliM<i" of a State Convention, and the 
year foHowinfj!; as a member of that Convention was the 
most eonspicuous o])ponent of the Reeession movement. 

His stron<!, o])position and persistent advocacy of the 
Union forced the respect and admiration of his most ex- 
treme political opponents. At this time he a<»:ain estab- 
lished a newspaper {The Southfrii Patriot), whicli was the 
sole oroan of the Union party in South Carolina. 

In 1800 he was a dele^-ate to the Convention of th.e 
National Democratic pai-ty, which met in Charleston, S. C. 
Upon the withdrawal of the (lele<2,-ates of his own and a 
number of the other Southern States, he declined to ^'o 
with them, and a.mid the hisses of the «>al!ery, made an 
eloquent ap])eal to the secessionists, takin<>: the p-ound 
that the maintenance of the or<j,anization of the National 
Democratic party was absolutely essenthilto the preserva- 
tion of the Union, and that the dissolution of the Union 
would j)rove the destruction of the South. 

As the jjreat crisis drew near he with prescient vision fore- 
told the disaster and ruin which impended, breasting,- the 
tide of sectional feelino- bravely to the last, thoufi,h at the 
cost of personal popularity to himself. 

When, however, the die had been cast, he did not stand 
aloof from his people. But declared that the State was 
ooinj;- to ruin— but he would share it with her. He clieer- 
fulh^ accorded his services to her and devoted all his en- 
ergies to what he believed a hoj)eless cause. 

Durino- the existence of the Southern Confederacy he filled 
the appointments of Confederate States Commissioner, 
Confederate States Attorney and District Jud^-e. After the 
close of the war he was appointed by President Johnson 
(Governor of South Carolina, and actively enj^aged in reor- 
(^anizing the State government and restorino- the State to 
her former relations with the Federal government. 

At the ex[)iration of his Governorship, the people, grate- 
ful to him for having given to them the election of Gov- 
ernor with numerous other benefits previously denied 
them, to prove their gratitude would have elected him the 
first Governor of South Carolina elected by the people. 



Sketch. 117 

But he prefei'red a seat in the United States Senate, the 
only hiii'h position he had ever- dpsired. Though so^ivat a 
lavvyei-, he was a still (2;reatpr statesman. He knew ]K)litirs 
was his forte. He felt within himself the ability to cope 
with the ablest debator, and in the United States Senate 
the privilege would be ji;ranted him to do *iOod not oidy to 
South Carolina, he loved so well, but his ^Teat heart, so 
free from sectional feelings, would extend in ^iood will over 
the whole United States, and he would be able to make for 
himself a "national reputation." 

South Carolina did justice to him and rewarded him with 
the hijrhest gift within her power, elected him United States 
Senator for six years. But alas! the reward came "too 
late." This great Union man, who had sacrificed all his 
personal ambition and aspiration for honor and distinc- 
tion in South Carolina, in defence of the "Union," was 
ti'eated with injustico and ingrntitude. No difference was 
made between " Governor B. F. Perry " the defender of the 
Union, and the "disunionists" who attem])ted to break it 
up. The "Republican partj'," who ruled in Congress 67e- 
nied him his seat. 

When the ill-advised reconstruction measures were inau- 
gurated by a )>artisan Congress, Gov. Perry, indignant at 
the misrule of the negro, carpet bag and scallawao- era, 
denounced the corruption and infamy of the base horde 
who were placed in power, who had turned her legislative 
halls into })laces for holding foul orgies, and her courts of 
justice into organs of bribery and oppression. His voice 
rang out clear and defiant, and his people looked to him 
for hope and courage. He had the satisfaction at an ad- 
vanced age of seeing his State restored to a condition of 
peace and renewed prosperity, and at last died sui-rounded 
by hosts of friends and admirers — to whom he had been 
endeared by those traits of character which he had exhib- 
ited throughout his entire public life. 

His last days were passed in retirement upon his beauti- 
ful estate of "Sans Souci," near the city of Greenville. 
When his physical powers waned, he maintained to the 
last an undimmed intellect and enjoyed amid its scholarly 
surroundings that green old age which his well spent life 
had so richly earned. 



SKETCH OF GOV. BENJAMIN FllANKLIN PERRY. 



WRITTEN BY ('OL. I. W. AVEUV. 



Ex-Gov. Benjamin Franklin Pony, of South Carolina, 
was born in Pickens County, (now Oconee), S. C, Nov. 20, 
180."), and (lied at his beautiful home "Sans Souci," Green- 
ville, S. C, Dec. 3, 188G, a^ed 81. 

He came of English stock, atid his father and mother's 
father were <iallant Revolutionai-y soldiers. He worked on 
his father's farm and ^oiuti' to school alternately, until at 
the ao:e of sixteen, he was sent to a school of reputation at 
Asheville, N. C. He learnt the Latin Giammar in one 
week, and out-stii])i)ed all his com])anions. He prepared 
to enter South Carolina CollejLie, but determined not to 
enter, (a mistake he always re<;ret ted . ) He early dis- 
played an inclination for politics and when only sixteen, 
while at Asheville, wrote an article in favoj' of John C. Cal- 
houn for the Presidency, and when only nineteen was se- 
lected to deliver a Fourth of July oration in Greenville, 
which unfortunately was never published. He read law in 
(ireenville and Columbia, was admitted to the Bar in Co- 
lumbia, and be<^'an the practice of law in Greenville in 
1827. As he returned to Greenvillt; in the sta<ie, brig-ht 
anticipations he indul<ied in for the future — .youno-, full of 
bright hopes, only twenty-two years old. He would study 
hard, and make a fortune, cut a figure at the Bar and in 
tlie political world. But even at that early age he had 
espoused the princij)les of Washington, and little did he 
dream that in consequence of his devotion to the Union 
all his brilliant anticii)ations of a future of distinction and 
usefulness in the j)olitical world would be frustrated and 
subject him to cruel persecution. 

Twenty years after he writes in his journal, August 1st, 
1847: 

"The future I imagined to myself as I returned from 
Columbia, in 1827, after my admission to the Bar, has not 
been realized, but I have no cause to complain. I have not 



Sketch. 119 

ti'eaynred up a fortune, but I have had the pleasure of 
spending- what would have amounted to one. I have made 
vetj lirtle figure iu the world, but I have a charming wife 
and four lovely children in whose happines-s are centered 
all m\' worldly hopes. What more could man desire?" 

He was a delegate to the Union Convention in 1832, and 
in the same year became the editor of the Mountaineer, a 
Union paper. Elected a delegate in 1832 to a Convention 
called to nuUify the Tariff Acts of Congress, and iu 1833 
to a Convention called for the purpose of considering the 
compromise made by Clay and Calhoun. In 1834 was the 
Union candidate for Congress. Unfortunately he lived in 
Mr. Calhouu's Congressional District, who used all his in- 
fluence against him. Notwithstanding this, he was de- 
feated by a majority of oidy sixty votes in seven thousand 
polled, by his popular opponent, Warren R. Davis. Elected 
State Representative in 1836, and re-elected almost con. 
tinuously for over thirty years. Elected State Senator in 
1844, and Trustee of South Carolina College in 1845, 
which position he continued to hold until the war. De- 
feated for Congress in 1846 by the Whig votes and Mr. 
Calhoun's influence. In 1848 was a Cass Presidential 
elector-at-large. In 1850 editor of the Southern Patriot, 
the only Union paper in the State. Delegate to the 
State Convention that met to secede in 1852, but did not 
secede. Delegate to the historic National Democratic Con- 
vention at Charleston in 1860, and remained in the Con- 
vention when his colleagues withdrew. He was defeated 
for the State Secession Convention on account of his Union- 
ism in 1860. The first time in thirty years the people of 
Greenville ever rejected him. If elected he would have 
raised his clarion voice in a last appeal against Secession. 
Confederate Commissioner in 1862, Confederate States Dis- 
trict Attorney in 1863, Confederate States District Judge 
in 1864. In 1865, after the war, appointed Provisional 
Governor by President Johnson. Elected United States 
Senator in 1866, but denied his seat by a Republicau Con- 
gress. Delegate to the Philadelphia Peace Convention in 
1866. Delegate to the Seymour National Democratic Con- 
vention, New York, in 1868, and to the Tilden Convention, 
St. Louis, in 1876. 



120 Sketch. 

(lovernor pHrry wmh oiip of the bravest, most con- 
sistent and remarkable public men of the South, and a 
vital factor in South Carolina, tiie crucial Southern 
State in the greatest of modern wai's. No statesman of 
the land showetl firmer couraj^e of conviction. An un- 
chanjiin^ Unionist, he opposed nullificatiOTi and secession 
ap:ainst the sentim(>nt of his ]>eoj)le, and after the war 
fou<2,ht tile evil Reconstruction of the Republican party. 
In both cases he wisely prophesied results and braved a 
bitter public feelinjr in the face of odium and majorities. 
In the famous Chailcston (Convention he boldly declared 
his Union views amid a storm of hostile hisses. When hiy 
State acted he loyally joined her, j^ood naturedly sayin<i\ 
"she was goiiifi: to the devil, and he would «i,o with her,"' 
and gave true su})])f)rt to the South. It was a sioiial 
ti-iumph to his integiity that in the fury of a turbulenee 
rarely equalled, he held the resj)ect of all parties. His 
whole career was able and useful. He was gentleman, 
scholar, jurist, orator, statesman and patriot. A y)Ower- 
ful writer, an eloquent syieaker and a man of letters and 
affairs. A student of events and men, he wrote a host of 
admirable sketches. He was the most prolific wiiter in 
South Carolina. An observer of the times, he illuminated 
by action and writing the great issues of the day. He 
made numbei-s of masterful addresses on ])ublic occasions, 
literary, practical and political, to colleges, on historic 
days, and to business and public bodies. In office he orig- 
inated and aided gi'eat projects and affected large results. 
He was a painstaking lawyer, skillful in pleading and a 
hold and untiring advocate. As a business man he was 
wise and successful in private and })ublic matters. He 
pressed the Louisville and Cincinnati Railroad, and was 
the father of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad, and 
without fee lejially secured to Greenville the Baptist Fe- 
male College. As a legislator he abolished the Parish sys- 
tem, making the basis of representation equal in the upper 
and lower country, and gave the election of President and 
Governor to the ])eople. He established the penitentiary, 
selected the site for the State capital at Columbia, S. C, 
united the law and equity courts, and divorced the banks 
from the State. He battled aoainst extravaj>ance and for 



Sketch. 121 

tlie laTg'est popular ao-ency in public affairs. He never 
ooiinted eoTiyeqnences or quailed before opposition in his 
duty. His personal appearance \va« so impressive, it 
fseetned designed by his Maker as a lit habitation for the 
transcendent qualities he endowed him with. His private 
character corresponded with his public, "without fear and 
without reproach." He married in 1837 Miss Elizabeth 
Frances McCall, neice of the disting-uished Robert Y. 
Hayne, Governor and U. S. Senator of South Carolina, 
Their married life of nearly fifty years was an ideal one. 
Tliey had nine children, four survive their father — Mrs. 
William Beattie, Hon. Wm. H. Perry, Dr. Hext M. Perry 
and Benj. F. Perry. His wife, with beautiful devotion, has 
vitalized the rare records of his career in several volumes, 
preserving his memory in more enduring form than mar- 
ble or brass. 



" To live in hearts we leave behind 
Is not to die." 




Letters. 123 

Union, S. C, June 2, 1^90. 
My dear Marlani: Yonr book came to-day, and it would 
be a difficult task to tell jou how glad I was to «ret it; 
and though anxious to read it, and sure as I am of the 
great treat in store for nie when 1 shall have the time to 
read it, I cannot rest until I tell you how deeply grateful 1 
am for the kind regard which prompted you to send it. 
I had feared that I had been wholly forgotten. Indeed I 
felt quite disappointed when some time ago Judge Wallace 
told me of your having sent him a copy— and there was 
none for me! Yes, yes, I know that it was very 
foolish, but I could not help feeling a degree of jealousy 
about the matter. And then the Judge, Mrs. Wallace and 
Miss Madge were always talking about what a charming- 
book you had sent, what models of style and diction and 
sentiment the letters were, and then they would repeat pas- 
sages from them. Well, I shall go right down there and 
let them see that they cannot crow over me any longer, 
for I have a copy too; and really, according to their ac- 
count, I have quite a treasure in that little volume, and 
you will believe me, dear Madam, that I prize it no less on 
account of the giver than for its high literary merit. I 
take an interest in all that concerns Greenville, on account 
of my admiration and regard for one paiticular house- 
hold, the ladies of which have been my earliest and dear- 
est friends, and for whom I shall ever cherish sentiments of 
gratitude and esteem, and will ever look back with pleas- 
ure to the many happy hours that I have spent under 
that hospitable roof. It may be, my dear Madam, that I 
may never again have that pleasure, for my official duties 
may not call me to your city hereafter as they have in the 
past, and you will permit me to say now, that I can never 
forget my debt to you and yours. 

Will you please remember me to your daughter, Mi-s. 
Beattie, and to Snowbird, and tell the lattei* that I have 
not forgotten my pi-omise about the flowers. She shall 
have them without fail. 

Thanking you again, my dear Madam, for your great 
kindness in sending the book, and assuring you that I will 



124 J^ETTEHS. 

know how to appreciate evory pa^e of its contents, I re- 
main Your friend and obedient servant, 

David Johnsox, Sk. 

We have our new Rector, Mr. AUston, a man after my 
own heart— an able pi-eacher, devout liberiil Chiistian gen- 
tleman of the hiiihest ^rade. I am sure that you would 
appreciate him as such. 



Extract from the Sketch of Gov. Perry's Life, Writ- 
ten FOR THE Encyclopedia, Published by Brant & 
Fuller, Washington, D. C, 

"(tov. Benjamin Franklin Perry, possessed a mao^nifi- 
ceut person, six feet two inches and a half in hei<rht, erect 
as a soldier, his noble head borne proudly aloft, he would 
have attracted attention in any assembly in the world. 
His eyes gray, with dark eyelashes, expressing thougtful- 
ness, his mouth beautiful, expressing firmness. These two 
features were especially indicative of his character; he 
thought deeply, and when once decided, he never changed ; 
his forehead high and expansive, his nose large and well 
formed, his entire countenance indicated intellect of the 
highest order, with thoughtfulness, courage and unyield- 
ing firmness of purpose. "There was a sublime dignity of 
conscious right, an incorruptible integrity in the manner 
and speech of ^ov. Perry, that commanded respectand won 
the admiration of all who heard him." It may be said of 
him, as of William Pinckney, one of America's greatest 
statesmen, '' His person was noble, his mannerscommand- 
ing, his voice full, sonorous and impressive, his learning 
})rofound and extensive, his flow- of language pure and cor- 
rect, his passions strong and powerful, and his heart 
filled with love and affection for his country and the lib- 
erty and happiness of mankind." 




Sans SoLJci, Residence of Ex-Gov. Perry. 



